Going to the dentist is important at any age. If regular dental visits haven't been one of your top priorities for the last few years, they should be. Regular dental visits will get you on the road to good oral health. Here the top five reasons why you should see your family dentist regularly:

1. Check For Cavities

During your checkup, your dentist will check for cavities by examining your teeth and looking at X-rays, which can show the extent of tooth decay and cavities. Dental fillings are used to treat cavities. Dental fillings are strong, durable and resistant to wear and can last for many years.

1. Periodontal Disease

If your gums are puffy or bleed when you floss or brush, or you have a family history of periodontal disease, it's time to make an appointment with your family dentist. During your exam, your dentist will examine your gums for signs of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can be detrimental to your oral health. It can erode your jawbone, destroy your gums, and lead to tooth loss.

1. Oral Cancer Screenings

Over 30,000 American adults suffer from oral cancer each year, according to The National Institutes of Health. The good news is that early diagnosis of oral cancer can help save your life. Dr. Houston and Dr. Robison, our Dalton, GA dentists, will conduct an oral cancer screening during your dental checkup.

1. Dental Cleanings

Your teeth are covered with a soft, sticky film called dental plaque that can contribute to gum disease and decay. When plaque builds up it becomes difficult to remove, hardening and turning into tartar. Tartar is porous and rough and can lead to gum recession and periodontal disease. The only way to remove tartar is to see a dentist for a dental cleaning. Most dentists recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year.

1. Overall Health

Unfortunately, you may be risking your health if you don’t visit your dentist regularly. A healthy mouth and healthy body go hand in hand. Research shows that oral health can have an impact on your overall health.

A patient with normal risk of tooth decay and gum disease should see their dentist every six months. However, some people who have a higher risk factor or multiple dental issues may need to see their dentist more often. Your appointment will include a physical examination where your dentist will check your teeth, mouth, and jaw for any abnormalities such as decay, cavities, or signs of gum disease including swollen or irritated gums.

Some of the services provided at Houston Robison Family Dentistry here in Dalton, GA include:

• Dental Fillings
• Sealants
• Dental Cleanings
• Family Dentistry
• Implant Restorations
• Dental Crowns
• Dental Bridges
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Emergency Dental Care
• Oral Cancer Screening

Unlike other dental specializations such as pediatric dentistry or cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry focuses on treating patients of all ages, from your toddler to your elderly grandfather. By seeing the whole family, you have peace of mind knowing that everyone’s dental records are all in the same place. Additionally, seeing a family dentist allows you to schedule your and your family’s appointments together, saving you an extra trip or days off work or school.

Family dentistry is also focused on preventive dentistry. Our goal is to care for your smile and offer prophylactic cleanings and other preventive measures that aim at protecting your smile from decay, gum disease, and other issues. We also love to educate our patients on the best ways to keep smiles looking their best. If you have questions about brushing your child’s smile, caring for your own smile, or have concerns about how preexisting health problems could be impacting your oral health, our dental team is happy to sit down with you to address your questions and concerns about your oral health.

When tooth decay does happen, that’s where restorative dentistry comes in. The main goal of restorative dentistry is to be able to improve and restore function, strength, and resilience to weak or damaged teeth. Everything from an injury to decay can weaken a tooth and increase the risk for further dental problems or complications either now or shortly. By getting restorative dentistry when you need it, you can protect your natural smile from further damage. Restorative dentistry consists of tooth fillings, dental crowns, dental extractions, implant restoration, and other procedures that help remove any decay or damage that has occurred in your mouth.