Dental exam Archives | Sterling Heights Dentist, Dr. Farhat of Dental 1 Care

Not everyone loves going to see a dentist, but these visits are necessary to maintain peak dental health. So, how often should you visit the dentist? The answer to that question depends on your overall health and the recommendation by Dr. Fardi Farhat, Sterling Heights, MI dentist, after assessing your dental health, as explained below.

Why Getting Professional Teeth Cleanings Is Necessary

One of the major reasons why you should visit Dental One Care in Sterling Heights is for your professional teeth cleaning. This cleaning is necessary because regardless of how vigilant you are in brushing and flossing your teeth, plaque and tartar will gradually accumulate on your teeth, especially on and beneath your gumline.

If the plaque and tartar aren’t removed periodically, you will develop cavities as a result of the bacteria build up on your teeth. Getting your teeth cleaned professionally by Dr. Fardi Farhat and our team at Dental One Care is, therefore, the best way to prevent cavities and gum disease.

Frequency of Dental Visits

Visiting the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning is a standard rule of thumb. Many health insurance companies cover your dental cleaning and checkup visit every six months.

However, some people face a higher risk of developing cavities and suffering from gum disease. Dr. Fardi Farhat recommends that these people come in for dental cleanings more often than twice a year. The following questions can help you to determine whether you are one of those people who need more frequent visits to Dental One Care in Sterling Heights;

Do you use fluoride-free toothpaste or drink water?
Do you have a sweet tooth or snack a lot?
Do you avoid flossing daily?
Do you find it hard to brush your teeth twice each day?
Are you more likely to visit a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI when you have a dental problem rather than going there for a checkup?
Does Dr. Fardi Farhat recommend fillings during each visit you make?
Do you have a lot of early cavities that are being watched by the experts at Dental One Care?
Do you currently have a dental device, such as dentures or braces?
Do you suffer from a chronic health condition, such as diabetes?
Were you diagnosed with dry mouth or think you have dry mouth?

If you responded in the affirmative to most of the questions above, you may need to see Dr. Fardi Farhat more frequently for cleanings and checkups so that any dental health problem you develop can be caught early.

In addition to the professional cleaning that you will get, our dentist in Sterling Heights, MI may also administer a fluoride treatment in order to reduce your risk of suffering from cavities or losing any of your natural teeth.

The Link Between Your Dental Health and Your Overall Health

Our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, explains that individuals who suffer from chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, are more likely to suffer from gum disease. For this reason, these people can benefit from more frequent visits to Dental One Care so that gum disease can be prevented or caught early.

Additionally, people who are on blood-thinning medication, as well as those taking infusions to combat osteoporosis, should also see the Sterling Heights dentist more frequently. This is because it is difficult to extract a tooth if someone is taking these medications, so the best approach is to put emphasis on preventive dental care to avert the need for extractions or other dental care procedures.

If you suffer from bleeding gums, see Dr. Fardi Farhat more frequently so that the periodontal disease causing this symptom can be managed properly before it causes you to lose your teeth.

Also, if you are a parent, you should set the right example for your kids by visiting Dental One Care frequently. Bring your kids with you, even if they don’t need any dental work or a checkup done. The fact that they see you going to Dr. Fardi Farhat in Sterling Heights, MI will teach them to value getting professional dental care on a regular basis and that habit will stay with them for the rest of their lives. That is how you can protect the smiles of your family members, and Dental One Care is here to support you in this regard.

Oral cancer screening is a visual and physical examination performed by a doctor or dentist to look for any signs of precancerous conditions or cancer in your mouth. Its main goal is to determine mouth cancer early when there is still a chance for a cure.

At Sterling Heights, Dr. Fadi Farhat performs a mouth examination during a routine dental visit. This is primarily done to screen for oral cancer. Dr. Fadi Farhat can perform further tests to help identify areas of abnormal cells in your mouth.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is painless during its early stages. Often, it goes unnoticed until it spreads. During its later stages, oral cancer may lead to oral and facial disfigurement. The removal of a portion of the jaw and tongue may be necessary when surgery is required.

Signs of oral cancer include the following:

Persistent hoarseness
Sore spot in or around the neck or mouth
A mouth sore that doesn’t heal
Red or white patches on the lips or in the mouth
Difficulty swallowing
Repeated bleeding from the throat or mouth

Factors that raise your risk of oral cancer include heavy alcohol use, history of significant sun exposure, tobacco use, and previous oral cancer diagnosis.

What to Expect Visual Dental Exam?

The major parts of an oral cancer screening are the examinations of your face, lips, inside of the nose, neck, and oral cavity. Prior to the screening, you must take out all removable dental appliances in order to expose each area.

Dr. Fadi Farhat will look for swellings, patches of color, bumps, ulcerations, asymmetries, and other abnormalities. A light and mirror will be used to see clearly inside of your nose and mouth. Also, a tongue depressor will be used to hold down your tongue so Dr. Fadi Farhat can have a clear view of your mouth’s back area. You may be asked to say “Ahh” to expose areas in your throat.

A nasopharyngolaryngoscopy may also be used by Dr. Fadi Farhat. This is a flexible fiber optic camera that will be inserted into your nose and down your throat to look at your pharynx and larynx.

What to Expect Physical Dental Exam?

During or after the visual dental examination, Dr. Fadi Farhat will also touch your cheeks, head, under your chin, around your jaw, and in the oral cavity to feel for any unusual masses or nodules. Immobility of normally mobile tissue is also a sign of a possible problem. You may be asked if physical contact causes discomfort. A painless swelling can be a sign of oral cancer. You also will be asked to swallow while your throat is examined.

An oral cancer screening is not a diagnostic, but a precautionary measure. When Dr. Fadi Farhat finds nothing abnormal, you may be asked to return at regular intervals, especially when you are using tobacco or drinking alcohol, or follow practices that increase the risk of oral cancer.

Moreover, an oral cancer screening is an opportunity for you to ask Dr. Fadi Farhat about fears and concerns, or to ask for pieces of advice about reducing your risk. Take a look at our blogs to find more information on oral screenings.

How Often Should I Visit The Dentist?