How to choose the best Dental Clinic
No one can go to the Dental Clinic every day of the year to make sure that their mouth is clean and healthy; however, dental hygiene is extremely important and we should be taking the best care of our teeth that we can.
We all want to know if our dentist is the “real deal” and is an expert in what they are practicing; however this can be hard to tell for anyone trying to pick though the long list of dental clinics when booking in for their next dental appointment.
Why is dental hygiene so important?
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, there is a relationship between periodontal disease (gum disease) and certain health conditions such as heart disease and stroke. Dentists can use a person’s dental health to determine if they are developing certain diseases such as diabetes. More than 90% of diseases involving the systems of the entire body (diabetes, kidney disease, oral cancer, birth defects) have oral manifestations including ulcers, bleeding, dry mouth, and swollen gums. Poor oral hygiene can lead to major health problems; for example digestive failure can occur when certain chemicals in the mouth are put off balance due to poor oral hygiene.
Choosing a great Dental Clinic
Choosing the best dental clinic is important so that you get good treatment, and feel comfortable so that you will go for checkups regularly
A Dental Clinic is only as good as the dentists that run them. All legal dentists hold either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or the equivalent Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
Here are some of the recognized specialties:
- Dental public health – Dental health in the community
- Endodontic – Diseases of the root pulp and related structures
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery – Tooth extractions; surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the mouth, jaw, and face
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics – Diagnoses and correction of tooth irregularities and facial deformities
- Pediatric Dentistry – Dental care for children
- Periodontics – Diagnoses and treatment for diseases of the root pulp and canal
- Prosthodontics – Treatment of oral dysfunction through the use of prosthetic devices such as crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Good dentists are thorough in their examinations of teeth, gums, tongue, lips, palate, the inside of the cheek, and in filling out dental records in detail. High-quality dental work will last several years whereas low-quality work can crack or fall out within a few months. Price should not be the deciding factor when choosing a good dentist; rather, judge them by the amount of time they spend on each procedure, how they communicate and interact with patients, their specialties and their training. Always make sure that they provide a clear understanding of all treatments and options prior to undergoing procedures. Listen to reviews from friends, family, and other clients to determine which clinics are the best. Also make sure that you check out online reviews by doing Google searches on the clinic.
What else can you do?
What if you can’t afford to book into your dental appointment regularly? You can avoid most significant problems by committing to a thorough dental hygiene regime, including brushing your teeth two or more times a day for at least two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, floss to remove gunk that the toothbrush can’t reach, rinse with a good quality mouthwash, and eat a healthy diet to provide the necessary nutrients for strong teeth. Staying away from cigarettes and tobacco can also prevent gum disease and oral cancer. Becoming acquainted with your family dentist and their payment plans before an emergency arises can prevent financial surprises.
There are many dental clinics around, but taking the time and effort to find the one that is perfect for you is important.
