Dentists In Las Vegas promote oral health, create treatment plans, and perform a variety of surgical procedures. They must have a strong understanding of the human body, excellent manual dexterity, and a keen eye for detail.

After completing undergraduate and dental school training, dentists spend years building their practice. They work long hours, but the pay is substantial.

Practicing proper oral hygiene is the most effective way to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath (halitosis) and other dental issues. It includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day and visiting Locust Family Dentistry for regular cleanings and exams.

Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by excess bacteria. When left untreated, these conditions can cause pain and discomfort in the mouth and surrounding tissues, and may even spread to other parts of the body. Keeping up with your oral hygiene routine reduces the amount of bacteria in your mouth, which decreases the risk of developing these problems.

Dental hygienists are trained to spot signs of potential problems in your mouth and gums. They are able to identify areas of concern, including gum disease, tooth decay and signs of oral cancer. This allows you and your dentist to take corrective action before these conditions develop into serious problems.

Hygienists also perform routine oral health screenings to evaluate your overall oral health. These screenings include the evaluation of your tongue and cheek for redness, swelling or any other abnormalities, as well as a check for oral cancer. In addition, a hygienist will review your medical history to determine any possible risks for dental diseases like gum disease or cavities.

If you’re interested in becoming a dental hygienist, you should pursue an accredited associate degree program from an institution of higher learning. This will provide you with the foundation to start your career in the field and allow you to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. You may be able to find these programs at community colleges, vocational schools, and some universities.

Preventive Care

Unlike traditional medical care, which focuses on improving health by treating disease once it has already developed into symptoms and complications, preventive services focus on helping you stay healthy and detecting illnesses before they become serious. They include routine screenings and patient counseling as well as services like vaccinations (shots) that reduce the chances of diseases and infections and keep you healthier. Preventive care is often covered 100% by your health plan, with no copay or deductible required.

Oral health problems such as cavities, gum disease and bad breath affect not only the ability to eat, speak and socialize, but also can increase a person’s risk of heart attack, diabetes, stroke, and pregnancy-related complications. In addition, research suggests that poor oral health increases the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and other chronic health conditions.

Good dental health goes beyond brushing and flossing; it is a gateway to better overall health. The mouth is often referred to as the window to the body because it is closely connected to the health of the rest of the body. For example, research shows that bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream and infect other parts of the body causing inflammation and infection such as endocarditis, respiratory infections and even arthritis.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for everyone, but it is especially critical for people with chronic health conditions because their bodies are weakened by these diseases and may not be as able to fight off infections as others. In addition, many people with these diseases take medications that can make their mouths more susceptible to cavities and other dental problems. In some cases, these drugs can even cause dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Restorative Care

A person’s oral health is an important part of their overall health and well-being. It affects not only one’s ability to speak, eat and smile, but also their physical well-being, social interactions and financial prosperity. Poor oral health is linked to diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. Research is uncovering more links between oral hygiene and other chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s. These connections are helping to bridge the gap that has long separated the medical and dental professions, but there is much work to be done.

As a PSW, your training will prepare you to provide restorative care for patients who require a higher level of assistance than those in acute rehabilitation. This type of care is slow-paced and involves fewer hours of therapy per day, complimented with consistent encouragement to participate in daily living activities. Your goal is to help the individual maintain their highest quality of life and support them in reaching their care goals.

Often times, those in restorative care are frail older adults who are in the late stages of their illness. They have a slower recovery rate than people in acute rehab and may be facing complex health conditions that can cause declines in their physical and emotional wellbeing over time. Your role is to be an advocate for the person, encouraging them to participate in activities as much as possible and providing physical and emotional support.

Until recently, most dental and primary healthcare services were offered in separate facilities. However, this model is gradually changing with many community based initiatives making great strides to integrate dentistry with primary care and to reach underserved populations. These efforts are particularly vital to individuals who live in rural and low income communities, where access is a major barrier to good oral health.

Emergency Care

Many community based initiatives are working to integrate oral health with primary care and other healthcare systems. While progress is being made at the practice and system level, barriers to integration remain, such as separate insurance systems, incompatible electronic health records and a lack of education. As a part of the global emergency medical care community, IFEM supports these efforts by providing education and expertise to build emergency healthcare systems worldwide.