You may wonder why visiting your Indianapolis dentist is so important if your teeth are not bothering you. We're glad you asked!
Your six-month dental exam is one of the best things you can do to protect your smile, and today we're going to break down why it's so essential to not only your oral health but also your overall well-being. We'll also give you an inside look at what Dr. Lund is screening for during your exam and what you should be aware of when living in our Indiana climate.
Here's what you should know.
What to Expect During Your Routine Dental Exam
It might seem like your dental exam is just for identifying tooth decay and cavities; however, there's actually much more that Dr. Lund is screening for, including the specific challenges for oral health that accompany living in Indiana, from our particular water mineral content to the "winter wince" caused by Midwest temperature drops. But we'll get to that in just a bit.
During your exam, Dr. Lund is primarily looking for early signs of problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. These conditions have less costly treatments and better prognoses when caught early.
For example, if Dr. Lund detects early signs of tooth decay and you're proactive about treatment, we can usually address it with a simple, less expensive filling. If you delay treatment or it goes unnoticed because you haven't had a dental exam in a while, the decay progresses deeper into the tooth until it reaches the pulp. Here, it can cause a painful infection that requires root canal treatment to eliminate it and preserve the tooth. A root canal could've been avoided with early intervention in this case.
Dr. Lund will also monitor the health and function of any existing restorations for wear, cracks, or fractures that could become problematic in the future. Early treatment of broken restorations also helps you avoid uncomfortable dental emergencies.
The Oral Systemic Connection
Dr. Lund will also look for early signs of gum disease during your routine exam and will monitor this by measuring the pockets between your gums and teeth. Early signs of infection may be reversed by adjusting your home care routine and undergoing thorough professional teeth cleaning; however, we also provide treatment and care for those managing advanced gum disease (periodontitis), as there is no cure.
Did you know that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and is linked to heart disease and diabetes, which are two major health concerns in Indiana? Gum disease has also been linked with these non-dental health concerns:
- Complications during pregnancy, like low birth weight and pregnancy diabetes, for expecting moms
- Dementia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Respiratory concerns
Effectively managing gum disease protects your health and well-being, and your Indianapolis dentist can help.
The Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer is responsible for over 12,000 deaths per year in America. It is a silent killer that is difficult to detect on your own. That's why oral cancer screenings with your dentist are so important. Your dentist can spot the early signs of oral cancer that may just look like a canker sore to you.
When we detect oral cancer in its earliest stages, it's much easier to treat, and the success rate is higher. Here are a few early signs of oral cancer that should prompt you to schedule an exam with your dentist if you notice them.
- Red or white patches on the cheeks, gums, or tongue
- Sores or lesions that don't heal or go away within 14 days
- Lumps in your throat or neck
- Numbness in the tongue, mouth, or face
- Difficulty chewing, eating, or swallowing
- Persistent tooth or facial pain
Local Insights on Oral Health
Living in Indiana involves local factors and considerations for oral health. In Indiana, changes in barometric pressure and cold air often mimic tooth pain. Did you know that relentless tooth pain could actually be related to your sinuses and not your teeth?
If you have an unexplained constant toothache, Dr. Lund will check the maxillary sinuses to see if that "toothache" is actually a sinus infection, which could save you from an unnecessary root canal. He will also check for craze lines (tiny cracks) caused by rapid temperature changes in the mouth.
Does Hard Water in Indianapolis Harm My Teeth?
Many patients have concerns about Indianapolis's notoriously hard water (high mineral content). While this is safe to drink, it can lead to faster tartar (calculus) buildup on teeth, just like it does on your faucets. During your dental exam, Dr. Lund is looking for plaque buildup and signs of tooth decay, but he's also checking if your home care is keeping up with the mineral deposits that are unique to our region.
Here are some things you can do to protect your teeth from the impacts of hard water:
- Consider Using a Water Filter — Filtering your water at home can reduce mineral content for brushing and drinking.
- Stay Hydrated — Drink plenty of filtered water to keep your mouth and body hydrated.
- Schedule Routine Teeth Cleanings — Visiting your dentist in Indianapolis for routine professional teeth cleanings will protect your smile.
- Daily Brushing and Flossing — Brushing twice a day and flossing once can help protect your smile against plaque, minerals, and bacterial buildup.
Is It Time to Book Your Dental Exam and Teeth Cleaning?
Now that you know your routine oral exam is so much more than just a cavity check, you understand that it is actually an integral part of keeping your mouth and body safe and healthy. Dr. Lund and his team provide a friendly, judgment-free environment for patients to care for their smiles in a manner that best suits their needs, smile goals, and budget.
Contact Affordable Dental East at (317) 899-1100 if you would like to schedule your next dental appointment, or you can request a visit online.