Most of us grow up with our parents taking us to the dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. As kids and adolescents, we often don’t give much thought to why these regular dental exams are so important. However, as we grow into adulthood and become responsible for scheduling these appointments ourselves, we begin to truly understand their value. From maintaining overall oral health to detecting serious issues early on, there are many reasons why those twice-annual dental visits should always be a priority.
Deep Cleaning
With every regular dental exam, a dental hygienist will give you a deep cleaning. The dental hygienist will use a small metal tool called a scaler to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth. Plaque is a sticky, bacteria-filled film that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if not removed regularly. Tartar is a hardened plaque and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removing both and providing you with a deep cleaning is the best way to avoid gum disease down the road.
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Preventive Care
During a dental exam, your dentist or dental hygienist will also perform a comprehensive examination of your entire mouth. Using a small mirror and a dental explorer, they will inspect your teeth and gums for any signs of dental or oral issues. This examination helps to identify early-stage diseases that can be addressed before they progress to a more advanced stage requiring more complex treatment. Early warning signs can include gum recession, inflammation, or growing periodontal pockets, which could indicate early gum disease. Dental X-rays are also a preventative measure taken during regular dental exams, which helps your dentist detect any issues that aren't visible during a visual examination. This includes cavities between teeth, problems with the jawbone, or impacted wisdom teeth.
Mouth Cancer Screening
A lesser known fact is that your dentist is also giving you a mouth cancer screening at each regular dental visit. They will examine your mouth for any signs of cancer, which include a mouth sore that isn’t healing, growths or lumps inside the mouth, or white or reddish patches inside the mouth. These checks usually result in no unusual findings but could potentially save your life if an early sign of mouth cancer is noticed.
Consultation Opportunity
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Regular visits to your dentist also offer a valuable opportunity to discuss any concerns about your oral health or the appearance of your teeth. For instance, your dentist may notice areas where you're not brushing effectively and recommend an electric toothbrush, or they might spot gum recession and suggest switching to a softer manual toothbrush. Additionally, if you're interested in tooth whitening, your dentist can guide you through the various options available—some of which are more effective and safer than others. These visits ensure that you're on the right track with your oral health and making informed, healthy choices.
If you have additional questions about the importance of regular dental exams and how they play a vital role in lifelong oral health, contact us.