Living with a chronic health or medical condition can be challenging. But in addition to your overall wellness, it can have a significant impact on your oral health. In addition to managing your health condition, it’s crucial to prioritize preventive dental care to maintain optimal oral health before major dental problems have a chance to develop. The team at Altrock Fabb Dental in San Diego, CA believes in the importance of preventive dental care for everyone, but especially for at-risk people with chronic conditions and health concerns.
What is Preventative Dental Care?
Preventive dental care is an approach to dental care that focuses on preventing oral health problems before they occur. After all, most dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease are preventable. This type of care involves regular checkups and cleanings, oral health education, and personalized treatment plans to address any underlying issues. The goal of preventive dental care is to help you maintain optimal oral health, which can improve your overall health and quality of life. But if you do have concerns like small cavities or gingivitis, we can work with you to address them while they’re smaller and easier to manage (not to mention more affordable to treat.)
The Importance of Preventative Dentistry
For people with chronic conditions, preventive dental care is especially important. Many chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders, can increase the risk of oral health problems such as gum disease and tooth loss. In fact, aggressive oral disease can make it even more likely for someone to experience cardiovascular disease or manage their blood sugar levels. The relationship between your mouth and body is closer than you might think!
Additionally, certain medications used to manage chronic conditions can cause dry mouth, which can lead to an increased risk of oral health issues. Especially for someone with a history of frequent tooth decay. By utilizing preventative care products like fluoride, combined with routine dental checkups, we can stop enamel demineralization and decay before it starts. In fact, some issues are reversible if you catch them early enough.
What to Expect During a Routine Dental Checkup?
During your routine dental checkup at Altrock Fabb Dental in San Diego, CA, you can expect a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Our dentist will look for signs of decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems such as early signs of oral cancer. They may also take X-rays to detect problems that may not be visible to the naked eye.
We will also examine your bite and the alignment of your teeth, looking for any issues that may affect your TMJ function or your ability to chew and speak properly. If they notice any problems, they will discuss treatment options with you.
And last but not least, we will perform a professional teeth cleaning, removing any plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to bad breath and gum disease. Our hygienists may also apply fluoride or dental sealants depending on the age of the patient and their specific oral health risks.
Be sure to updated us regarding any recent medication changes, hospitalizations, or new developments in your underlying health, as these can affect the wellness of your smile.
How Dentists Treat Oral Health Concerns
If our San Diego dentist notices any oral health conditions during your checkup, we will discuss treatment options with you. Treatment will depend on the nature and severity of the problem. Some common treatments for oral health concerns include:
- Fillings to treat cavities caused by tooth decay or enamel erosion.
- Root canals therapy (endodontics) to treat infections in the nerve of the tooth
- Extractions to remove teeth that are damaged or infected beyond repair.
- Gum disease treatment such as a deep cleaning, medication, or surgery, depending on the severity of the infection.
Schedule Your Visit Today
At Altrock Fabb Dental in San Diego, CA, we understand the importance of preventive dental care, especially for people with chronic medical conditions. Our team of experienced dentists and dental hygienists is dedicated to providing personalized care to help you maintain excellent oral health in the years ahead. Call now to set up your next visit!
