When you think about your general dentist, you probably think about things like having X-rays and routine cleaning done. Although your family dentist can obviously provide you with these dental care services, there are other surprising things that your dentist can do for you. These are just a few of the many things that you can talk to your dentist about, so consider chatting with your dental professional about the many services that he or she can provide for you and your family members.

1. Checking for Lung or Throat Cancer

If you smoke or otherwise fear that you could have cancer in the lung or throat, you can ask your dentist to check for any signs of disease. Most dentists will already be on the lookout for signs of cancer when performing oral exams, but it doesn't hurt to bring it up if you feel that you would prefer a more thorough exam.

2. Caring for Braces

Although your orthodontist will handle the job of putting your braces on, your general dentist can tighten and inspect your braces during the course of treatment. This can be cheaper than seeing a specialist for all of your braces-related needs, plus it can be more convenient because you can have everything done at one appointment.

3. Prescribe Pain Medication

If you are dealing with pain in your mouth, jaw or teeth, you may be able to get a prescription for pain medication by seeing your general dentist. Plus, your dentist can get to the bottom of the problem and can help you start the proper treatment for your condition.

4. At-Home Teeth Whitening

Don't assume that you can only have in-office teeth whitening done at your general dentist's office. You can also ask for take-home trays that you can use to whiten your teeth yourself. They're more effective than the ones that you can buy at a pharmacy, but it's a cheaper option than having it done at the office.

Your general dentist can help you in many ways. Along with calling your family dentist to help you with basic things like routine cleanings, consider seeking these services from your dental professional as well. These are just a few of the many things that your dentist can help you with, and it's always nice to see the same person for multiple treatments. Not only can you save money by seeing your dentist for these things rather than seeing a specialist, but it can also be more comfortable to see the same professional for multiple services. Call your dental office today, and you can find out more about the things that your dentist can assist you with.