subject: The Dentist And 4 Things You May Not Know [print this page] When it comes to healthcare, most of us know just enough to get by from day to day. Even those who think they know a bit more usually have their heads filled with pseudoscience and mumbo jumbo from every holistic blog on the internet. When it comes to oral healthcare, our knowledge may be even more limited than when it comes to the rest of our bodies. We have a bad habit of not taking the dentist as seriously as we do the doctor. But those in the know realize that oral health care is intertwined with whole body wellness. If you want to know a bit more, here are five things you may not know about dentistry.
1. Children should see the dentist by the time they are two.
Parents often struggle with how early they should introduce their children to the dentist. Most experts say you can't go wrong if you start bringing your child in by the time their first teeth start to emerge. At the very least, your child should have had his or her first appointment by the age of two. He can begin getting accustomed to the dental chair and can start learning about good oral hygiene practices.
2. Baby tooth cavities are serious business.
Some parents are under the mistaken impression that what happens to their children's baby teeth is of little consequence, considering that they will be gone soon enough. But don't forget that children have to live with those teeth, in some instances, for up to seven years. A cavity at the age of five, while rare, could certainly lead to pain and problems if left untreated.
3. Tooth shaping makes a nice smile beautifier.
The cosmetic dentist has a wealth of tools at his or her disposal when it comes to beautifying your smile, and those tools don't end with caps and whitening sessions. Some patients may benefit from tooth shaping. This involves taking just a little enamel off the end of the tooth, giving it a straight, even appearance that nature often can't provide. It is safe and it usually doesn't cost too much to do.
4. Implants are growing in popularity.
Though expensive, many people are starting to see dental implants as a legitimate replacement for dentures. Not only do they greatly improve on the denture "technology," they can also be used in conjunction with them for a better overall fit. Another benefit to implants is that they will prevent bone degeneration, a common problem in those who have lost teeth.
