Considerations Before Going For Dental Cleanings And Exams.

Dental cleanings and exams are as important as regular medical checkups. Medical checkups help to detect medical health problems early enough to treat them before they cause any major damage. In the same vein, dental cleanings and exams help to protect dental health and prevent dental diseases or defects. There are a lot of dental diseases that can wreak havoc on your dental health. Bad oral hygiene can cause bone loss, cancer, tooth decay, gum disease, etc. These dental problems can lead to severe pain, loss of teeth and might sometimes be fatal. Regular dental cleaning and exams are an effective way of protecting your oral health and preventing these dental health problems.

A dental exam is a procedure in which a dentist examines your teeth with the use of special dental devices to check for cavities and gum diseases. A regular dental exam is key to long-lasting oral health. Dental exams are a part of preventive dental healthcare as it checks for dental diseases and nips them in the bud. Dental cleanings are performed after a dental exam. A dental cleaning is performed by a dental hygienist to remove plaque, tartar, and other teeth diseases and defect agents. A regular cleaning (brushing and flossing) done at home is not enough and as efficient as a dental cleaning. Regular dental cleanings and exams are very important for your dental health.

Things To Consider Before A Dental cleaning And Exam.

After booking a dental cleaning and exam appointment with your dentist, the following are the things you must expect:

• An assessment of your teeth and overall dental health.
• Your dentist would check for tooth decay, cavities, dental caries, etc.
• Questions about your medical and dental history.
• Use of X-rays and other dental equipment for further diagnostic purposes.

What Happens During The Appointment?

Your dental professional may inquire about the medications you take, dental prosthetic devices you use, and dental problems you have.

During a dental exam you might have to go through the following:

• Oral cancer exam screening. This is the abnormal growth of cells in the mouth or on the face that destroy body tissue. Oral cancer can be life-threatening if not quickly treated. Therefore your dentist makes sure to screen for oral cancer during a dental exam. A standard oral cancer screening procedure takes just about two minutes. Your dentist screens for abnormal lumps and abnormalities that may be signs of oral cancer.
• X-ray screening: An x-ray is used to see the parts of your body invisible to the naked eye. Your dentist might use an X-ray during a dental exam to detect invisible dental problems. This is subjected to your risk of dental diseases.
• Dental impression: Your dentist might ask to make a model of your teeth. This replica is used to make sure your bite is okay or to make a suitable mouthguard or bleaching trays.
• Dental cleaning: Tooth decay is caused by the buildup of plaques that become tartar. Plaques form when bacteria in the mouth mix with saliva and remnants of starchy and sugary food and drinks. They are slimy and they stick to the teeth and if not washed away, they harden and become tartar and cause tooth decay. During your appointment with a dentist, tartar is removed and your teeth are thoroughly cleaned.

Why Are Dental Cleaning And Exam So Important?

The importance of Dental Exams include:

• Prevention of tooth loss.
• Early detection of Oral cancer and its signs.
• Prevention of Dental cavities.
• Prevention of gum disease.
• Enhancement of your general health.
• Helps you to save money.

The importance of Dental cleanings include:

• Clean teeth and an alluring smile.
• Clean and fresh breath.
• Prevention of tooth decay, cavity, and gum disease.
• Strengthening of the tooth enamel.
• Boosts confidence and oral hygiene.

How Often Should My Teeth Get Cleaned?

With good oral hygiene and a healthy mouth, dental cleanings can occur every six months. However, this is subjected to your dentist’s decision. Your dentist might recommend a three, six, nine, or even twelve months interval.