Pleasant Dentistry at Westbrook Village

Determining Oral Cancer Risks

Although oral cancer has an 80% cure rate if caught and treated in the early stages, it often goes undetected until it has spread throughout the body, which dramatically lowers a patient’s chances of survival. Watch this video to learn more facts about oral cancer and how you can minimize your risk.

Oral cancer often develops as a result of chronic irritation of the oral tissues due to long-term use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs. Screening for oral cancer can be done quickly and painlessly by a dentist, who will feel for lumps in the throat and face, look for irregularities in the oral tissues, and use a specialized light to identify abnormalities.

Schedule an oral cancer screening by calling Peoria’s Pleasant Dentistry at Westbrook Village at (623) 208-5384. We aim to promote oral health through routine dental checkups and restorative care procedures.

Four Signs You Should Visit Your Dentist ASAP

While routine dental checkups are an important part of good oral health, an issue may occasionally manifest that cannot wait until your next scheduled appointment. Many family dentists offer emergency services or restorative care for patients who are experiencing the following symptoms:

1. Toothache
Severe or chronic tooth pain indicates an infection that can be dangerous if ignored. Whether the issue is a result of advanced tooth decay, an abscess, trauma, or a loose filling, it should be treated by a dentist immediately in order to save the tooth and prevent the spread of infection throughout the body.

2. Inflamed Gums
If your gums tend to bleed after flossing or brushing, schedule a dental appointment right away. Red, irritated gum tissue is a sign of gingivitis, which is the initial stage of periodontal disease. When left unchecked, this condition can progress to the point of weakening tooth roots and infecting the underlying jawbone, leading to tooth loss.

3. Persistent Mouth Sore
A rough patch, lump, or sore in the mouth that lasts for more than two weeks is an indicator that you should see the dentist as soon as possible. While such lesions may be harmless, they can also indicate oral cancer—a disease which often metastasizes throughout the body before it is discovered and treated.

4. Missing Tooth
If one of your teeth is knocked loose or falls out, it may be possible to repair it, as long as a dentist is seen within one hour. Keep the tooth safe by gently reinserting it into the socket or submerging it in a portable container filled with milk or your saliva.

If you are concerned about a recent dental occurrence or would like to schedule a routine checkup, contact Pleasant Dentistry at Westbrook Village by calling (623) 208-5384. We offer general and cosmetic dentistry services to promote healthy and attractive smiles. We can also provide emergency dental care.

Visit These Sites For Family Oral Health Tips

Aside from maintaining regular visits to your dentist, daily brushing and flossing are the most effective ways of preserving your dental health. To receive more information about common oral health issues and how your family dentist can treat them, please read the following articles.

• The Mayo Clinic offers some helpful dental health tips for individuals of all ages.

• Poor oral hygiene can result in tooth decay and multiple trips to the dentist for fillings. The U.S. National Library of Medicine outlines the risk factors and treatment methods for tooth cavities.

• Gum disease can quickly escalate into permanent tissue damage, infection, and tooth loss. WebMD describes treatment methods that your family dentist may administer if you are diagnosed with periodontal disease.

• Orthodontics is common among adolescent dental patients. KidsHealth.org discusses how braces work.

• As the American Diabetes Association reports, common diabetes-related dental problems include gum disease, thrush, dry mouth, and cavities.

Pleasant Dentistry at Westbrook Village offers the residents in and around Peoria, Arizona, a range of dental treatments, including cavity fillings and gum disease prevention. To learn more about our oral health services, or to speak with a family or cosmetic dentist, please call (623) 208-5384.

Tips for Maintaining a Family with Good Dental Health

Brush twice a day
Parents can start teaching their children how to brush even before they get their first teeth. Your dentist may advise you to begin by rubbing a soft cloth over their gums after each feeding to avoid plaque formation. Once their milk teeth come in, you can then show your kids how to brush twice a day with a small maneuverable toothbrush.

Floss daily
Because tooth decay often begins between teeth and at the gumline, it is essential that parents instruct their children on the importance of daily flossing. You can show them how to wrap each end of the floss around their fingers and help them move it through and around each tooth. Having them look in a mirror during your flossing lesson can facilitate the learning process.

Limit sugary and acidic foods
Sound oral health isn’t only about cleaning your teeth. As your family dentist can attest, sugary and sour treats can cause considerable damage to teeth when eaten without discretion. Therefore, teach your children to enjoy healthier snack options such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Likewise, limit the frequency with which your kids partake of sugary and acidic candies and juices.

Schedule regular visits to the family dentist
No matter how vigilant you and your children may be in upholding your oral cleaning habits, you should always see your family dentist at least twice a year to maintain your dental health. Only your dentist can detect early signs of tooth decay and gum disease and treat them before they become significant problems. Combined with a consistent dental cleaning regimen, regular dental visits will allow you and your family to have a long and happy oral health future.

Pleasant Dentistry at Westbrook Village offers comprehensive dental services for individuals of all ages. If you require the services of a family or cosmetic dentist, please call our Peoria, Arizona, office at (623) 208-5384.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Molar ridges constitute the most common areas for cavity formation. As this video explains, consistent brushing and flossing can help you prevent tooth decay and unnecessary trips to the dentist.

Bacterial acids that form from the accumulation of food debris can eat away at the tooth structure, causing tooth decay and gum disease. Aside from the tooth surface, cavities can also form between teeth and along the gumline. To decrease your chances of developing tooth decay, limit your intake of sugary foods, soda, and sports drinks. Also, brush at least twice a day, every day for a minimum of two minutes. When brushing, be sure to angle your brush bristles at the gumline. Flossing on a daily basis can also lessen the occurrence of damaging cavities.

Pleasant Dentistry at Westbrook Village offers a wide range of dentistry services, including cosmetic treatments and orthodontics. To learn more about our family dentist options, or to schedule an appointment at our Peoria, Arizona, facility, please call (623) 208-5384.