Benefits of Dental Exams and Cleanings
Good oral hygiene protects your mouth from catching oral infections such as tooth decay and gum disease. Sometimes dental infections can spread to other parts of the body, causing health problems if untreated.
People are recommended to visit the dentist at least twice a year for dental cleanings and evaluation of their oral health. Home-based oral hygiene practices may not successfully remove accumulated plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. Accumulated tartar in your teeth and gums may result in cavities or serious oral problems.
Can a Dental Hygienist Perform an Exam?
Good oral hygiene is a lifelong commitment to living a longer and happier life. Routine dental visits help prevent dental problems improving your overall health. During your dental checkup, the dental hygienist will clean your teeth and examine for signs of damage or infection.
Visit our dental office in Easley, 29640, immediately, if you experience the following oral problems:
- Mouth sores
- Swollen gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Teeth decay
- Loose teeth
- Teeth numbness
What to Expect During Dental Exams and Cleanings?
During your regular dental checkup, your dentist will perform an oral examination as well as professional teeth cleaning. In a dental examination procedure, your dentist will:
- Assess your oral and overall health
- Examine and determine your risk of oral infections, cavities, root decay, and gum disease
- Assess your need for tooth replacement
- Examine your bite and jaw for issues
- Remove stains on your teeth
- Demonstrate proper oral practices for your teeth
Your dentist will enquire about your health problems and will discuss how they may influence your oral health. Diabetic patients may be at an increased risk of developing gum disease.
Your dentist will take a look at your prosthetic replacements such as bridges or dentures if you have any and will also examine how well the replacements are positioned and discuss any need for adjustments.
During your dental exam, your dentist may request you to take x-rays to see detailed images of specific areas of your mouth. X-rays help find underlying issues that are not visible using the naked eye.
Dental cleaning involves the removal of bacteria, plaque, and tartar accumulated on the teeth surface and gumline. Your hygienist will polish your teeth and educate you on techniques to reduce your risk of oral problems in the future.
Benefits of Dental Exams and Cleanings
To get the most benefit from dental exams and cleanings, ensure to take proper care of your teeth and gums between dental visits. Brushing your teeth helps manage plaque which consistently forms on your teeth. Other home-based oral hygiene practices include:
- Use of fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride protects your teeth from oral bacteria that may lead to teeth decay.
- Using a mouthwash. This helps prevent plaque and bacteria, giving you fresher breath.
- Drink more water. Water helps wash out sticky and acidic food particles in the mouth, which may cause oral problems.
- Consider fibre in your diet. Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables requires some healthy chewing which is important for your oral health. Chewing stimulates saliva production in the mouth. Saliva contains natural antibacterial, which helps fight the bacteria that may cause gum disease or cavities.
- Avoid acidic and sugary foods. Sugar combines with a plaque in the mouth to form an acidic substance that may cause erosion of your teeth’ enamel.
Avoid smoking because it increases your risk of many health problems such as tooth loss and oral cancer.
Dental exams help catch signs of oral infection early, saving you costly procedures. Below are the benefits of dental exams and cleanings:
- Routine dental checkups help maintain healthy teeth and gums. During a professional cleaning, your dentist will remove accumulated bacteria, plaque, and tartar which may build up regardless of brushing regularly.
- Dental cleaning involves flossing and teeth polishing to eliminate stains. This gives you a brighter smile while leaving your mouth feeling fresher.
- Dental exams help treat oral problems before they appear. During a dental exam, your dentist will check for any signs of cavities or other oral infections.
Are you from around South Carolina and have been considering getting a dental exam and cleaning near you? Our dentist, Dr. Mathew Blackwell at Easley Family Dentistry, will provide a comprehensive dental exam for you to ensure you regain your healthy smile.