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.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry in Houston, TX
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.
Request an appointment or call MB Dental at Heights at 281-885-8608 for an appointment in our Houston office.
General dentistry is the most common form of dental care. Patients go to general dentists for diagnostic, preventative, and restorative care. Practitioners can perform various types of care for a patient's oral health needs, including the placement of dental bridges. Primary dentists may also educate patients regarding oral hygiene and dental care.Practitioners of general dentistry…
Your general dentistry professional knows that oral health has a strong connection to the body's overall wellness level. The mouth is the point of entry to the respiratory and digestive tracts, and the usually harmless bacteria that enters the mouth regularly can cause disease in those areas. Without sufficient oral hygiene to control the growth…
Gum disease, which is also known as periodontitis, is common, and there are various treatment methods available in general dentistry. There are three phases of this disease, and if it is caught and treated during the early phase, it is reversible. Treatment is much easier and less invasive early on, even before symptoms appear, which…