Dental Exams are Important: Here are 7 Reasons Why
To keep your mouth clean and healthy, you have to do more than practice an excellent at-home oral hygiene routine. Visiting your dentist for routine dental exams and cleanings is the best way to promote your oral health.
It’s worth noting that dental exams shouldn’t only be scheduled when there’s a problem. There are many benefits to planning regular dental exams besides treating or managing existing oral problems. Before getting into the benefits, let’s begin by understanding what happens during a dental exam.
What to Expect in a Dental Exam?
During a dental exam, the dentist begins by learning about your oral health and history. Since everyone is unique, the procedures carried out during the exam may differ from one person to another.
Overall, the dentist will look at your teeth, gums, jaw, and mouth for signs of cavities, periodontal disease, and other dental problems. The dentist may take x-rays or use special dental tools to review your oral condition.
A Hygienist will work with you to clean your teeth and examine your gums, where tartar, plaque, and bacteria are removed from the teeth. Teeth plaque removal requires the use of special dental tools. The teeth are also polished to brighten your smile. For an interdental cleaning and dental exam near you, contact Mertz Family Dentistry.
Importance of Dental Exams
Below are 7 reasons why regular dental exams are essential:
- Promote Your Oral and Overall Body Health
Dental exams are part of preventive dentistry. They focus on preventing, diagnosing, and treating dental problems. By offering preventive treatments such as fluoride treatment and dental sealants, your risk of developing cavities and gum disease is significantly reduced.
Furthermore, comprehensive check-ups and cleanings promote your oral hygiene and health by removing bacteria, tartar, and other impurities from your mouth. According to a study by the American Dental Association, poor oral hygiene and health can increase the possibility of developing diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.
- Prevents Cavities, Periodontitis, and Other Diseases
Even with thorough brushing and flossing, it may be difficult to effectively clean the hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. The back teeth are notoriously hard to clean because of the tiny pits and fissures.
During a dental exam, a dentist uses special dental products and tools to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria trapped in the mouth. The dentist may also recommend applying sealants to smoothen the surfaces of the teeth, making it hard for plaque and bacteria to build up.
- Early Detection of Dental Issues
During a dental exam, the dentist checks for signs of cavities and other diseases. If detected early, most dental issues, including oral cancer, can be reversed or treated. Treating and managing dental issues before they progress to serious stages protects your comfort, health, and resources.
- Oral Cancer Screening
Besides examining your teeth and gums for cavities and gum disease, the dentist looks for signs of oral cancer. Regular oral cancer screening can be life-saving. If it goes undetected, oral cancer can be life-threatening. With routine dental exams, it is unlikely for oral cancer to develop to severe stages without detection.
- Keeps Your Smile Bright
The dentist uses special products and tools to clean your teeth and mouth, giving you a brighter and healthy smile. If your teeth are badly stained due to continued consumption of certain foods and drinks, the dentist may perform a whitening procedure.
- Treatment and Management of Existing Dental Issues
During a dental exam, the dentist takes time to treat and manage dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and infections. Continued monitoring of the condition can promote healing or prevent the condition from worsening. For instance, gum disease can be reversed with improved oral habits.
For a condition such as periodontal disease, which can’t be reversed, the dentist may manage it through root planing and scaling. If you have a serious oral condition, you don’t have to wait. Visit a dentist near you for treatment.
- Oral Hygiene Education
During an exam, the dentist may advise you on the best way to care for your teeth and manage any dental conditions. Oral hygiene education is especially crucial for children and teenagers. Proper dental tips include:
- Brush properly, at least twice a day.
- Floss at least once daily.
- Eat healthier and hydrate well.
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks.
- Avoid chewing hard and sticky foods.
Schedule an Appointment
For dental exams and professional teeth cleaning near you, book your appointment today with Mertz Family Dentistry.