Top-Rated Dentist for Expert Dental Check-ups and Cleanings
We all know going to the dentist is a pain, sometimes literally. But your teeth are pretty precious –just think how much you use them every day. Giving them a bit of loving care with regular check-ups is a small price to keep them healthy and strong for years to come. With regular dental check-ups and cleans, you’ll avoid paying more in the long run and avoid the risk of oral health issues. Best dentist in Aliso Viejo do a whole lot more than just clean teeth and fill cavities. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort between your bi-annual visits to the dentist, then call to schedule a visit soon.
when to see the dentist?
Oral health is an important part of your overall health. You wouldn’t let a persistent problem go untreated in the rest of your body, so start treating your mouth with the care and concern that it deserves, and contact your dentist for an expert’s opinion if you have any questions. Any of the following symptoms are things to watch for, signs you need to see a dentist.
Pain and Swelling
Persistent pain or swelling in your teeth or gums could be a sign that one of many different things is wrong, and you should have your dentist check for infection or gum disease. Lingering pain isn’t normal, and you don’t have to just live with it. Even if the pain does go away at some point, the core problem could still remain.
Gum Problems
Sometimes your gums need just as much attention as your teeth. Make an appointment if you notice that your gums are:
- Puffy or inflamed
- Swollen with a spongy texture
- Turning bluish-red rather than normal pink
- Have pus or an odor
- Are beginning to recede
Best dentist in Aliso Viejo will check for gum disease and possible pockets that are formed by plaque.
White Spots on Teeth
These indicate early stages of tooth decay and, if caught soon enough, it is possible to halt the decay process even before a cavity fully forms.
Problems With Dental Work
Even given the sturdiness of fillings, crowns, implants and other dental work, with everything we chew, it’s possible to loosen the fixtures in our mouths. If any of your dental work feels loose, crooked, or in any way off, let the dentist fix the problem quickly to prevent additional issues.
Changes of Color or Texture in Mouth
If anything unusual has been happening in the color or texture of your mouth, from persistent white or red patches appearing to lumps forming where there were none, check with your dentist to address the problem.
Problems/Delays with Adult Teeth Breaking Through Gums
Some children don’t lose their baby teeth even after the adult tooth breaks through the gums (erupts). If the adult tooth was not able to force out the baby tooth, a dentist might need to assess and sometime intervene. At times, the permanent tooth or teeth may come in extremely crooked or with other concerns. If that’s the case, the dentist will examine and assess and may recommend your child see an orthodontist in the future.
Increased Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
New sensitivity to certain foods or temperatures can occur when decay moves through the enamel to center of tooth, and the earlier you treat a cavity the better. Sensitivity could also be a sign of different problem, such as teeth grinding or a filling that needs to be fixed.
Persistent Bad Breath
If proper oral hygiene–brushing twice a day, flossing daily etc.–isn’t improving your breath, you may have a bigger problem. Whether bad breath is a symptom or just something you personally face, your dentist could have personalized suggestions that will help.
Difficulty Chewing or Swallowing
This is not normal, and you should be sure to only eat soft foods or liquid until you see the dentist in order to avoid aggravating the problem.
Jaw Problems
An uneven bite, popping when you chew, or pain when you close your jaw is more than just annoying; it could become a more serious issue if allowed to continue. Your dentist will be able to help, or recommend an orthodontist who can assist you.
Stained teeth
Whether it’s after smoking, or tea, we can all get stained teeth from time to time. But if the little brown marks don’t disappear after a brush, it’s usually time for a professional clean!
With regular dental check-ups and cleans, you’ll avoid paying more in the long run and avoid the risk of oral health issues.
Lingering Sores
From biting your tongue or cheek to eating a fruit that doesn’t agree with you, mouth sores happen. But if they last in your mouth for a week or longer, it’s time to get a dentist’s opinion. Canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia, and candidiasis are some possible signs of a bigger problem, all varying in severity and cause, and can be traced to either a virus or an infection.
How to Choose Best Dentist in Aliso Viejo
When you’re looking for a new dentist, you’re searching for more than someone to just clean your teeth. Your dental health is such a vital part of your overall health, so it’s important for every patient to have a dental home. That means there is always someone looking out for the best interest of you and your family.
Having a dental home allows you to feel comfortable when you’re dropping in for a regular visit and gives you a safe and trusted place to turn for a procedure or dental emergency. Here’s how to find the best dental fit for you and your family.
Start with the Basics
Regular visits are key to a healthy smile, so start with the details that work best with your lifestyle and dental care needs. Some things to consider include:
- Is the office easy to get to from your home or job?
- Do they have convenient office hours?
- If you have dental benefits, is this dentist in your network?
- Doctor-patient communication is very important. Do you need translation or interpreter services?
- Is the dentist a member of the ADA?
Launch the Search
Now that you’re looking for a dentist, you’re probably noticing advertisements online, in the newspaper and even in your mailbox. Social media sites may also have patient reviews of dentists near you, but remember that every person’s dental health needs and experiences are their own.
Here are some great places to start looking for a dentist:
- The ADA’s Find-A-Dentist Search by name and, location and specialty.
- Your local dental society. They can give you a list of dentist’s names in your area.
- A trusted friend or relative. If your mother says she loves her dentist, check them out!
- If you don’t have benefits or have trouble affording dental services, your local health department or nearby dental schools can help you find care.
Once you’ve found a few good candidates, visit their websites and see if their offices are on social media to learn more about them.
Meet and Greet
To find the right dentist, don’t be shy about calling or visiting the dentists on your list before deciding. “Schedule consultation time with the dentist to meet with the dentist and staff before making an appointment. Make a list of questions and bring your records so the dentist can take a look at your dental history if you want to ask something more specific. You’ll also be able to see if the office is welcoming, comfortable and neat.
A few questions you might want to ask are:
- Will the dentist explain ways to help you prevent dental health problems? Is dental health instruction provided?
- How does the dentist and office staff handle emergencies outside of office hours?
- Is the office staff familiar with your benefit plan, and do they offer financial options for treatment costs?
- Will your medical and dental history be recorded and placed in a permanent file?
look for a dentist to share past dental experiences or dental concerns, including any anxiety. Make sure the dentist understands your concerns and answers all your questions.
Pick a Partner
Above all, you want to choose a dentist who can be a part of your total health care team. So much of your dental health can impact your overall health. Look for someone who can be a coach to motivate you, a trusted advisor to turn to when health issues arise and a partner to make dental care decisions with.
When your child may need to go to the dentist
your child’s dental health is important to your child’s overall health and well-being. Regular dental care including check-ups every six months is an important aspect to ensure good dental health. With that said, sometimes in between check-ups, it may be necessary for you to present to the dental office for an examination of your child’s teeth.
doctors encourage you to have your child be seen by a dentist every six months for a dental check-up and dental cleaning. Regular dental care is important to facilitate early detection and early intervention of dental caries or gum disease and other oral health related concerns.
Your Child’s First Visit
Your child should visit the dentist right after their first tooth appears or by their first birthday. During your child’s visit to the dentist, the dentist will examine the oral structures in your child’s mouth and discuss with you best practices for diet and oral hygiene and anticipatory guidance as your child develops and grows. Your dentist will discuss with you the need for radiographs if any are recommended for your child’s teeth or other oral structures. Another purpose for this initial visit is to help your child become acquainted with and comfortable with visiting the dentist to pave the way for a lifetime of good dental care!
Regular Checkups Every Six Months
After your child’s initial dental examine, doctors recommend that you schedule your child’s dental checkups every six months. Having your child’s teeth and mouth examined at least every six months is a good way to help ensure early diagnosis of gum disease or dental caries, or any other oral health condition. Excellent care, and proper diet and oral hygiene habits at a young age can have lasting health benefits into adulthood!
What if you can’t see your dentist straight away?
Make an appointment as soon as you can, and in the meantime you can try:
- Using a cold compress and pressing it against where the pain persists.
- Calling your dentist and ask them about pain relief methods you can try while you wait for an appointment
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen pain relief medicines (aspirin is not recommended as it can increase bleeding in the area)
- If the pain is unbearable, consider seeing another dentist in your area for an emergency evaluation
