What is the Significance of Scheduled Dental Checkups and Cleanings?
April 1, 2024
How often should you get a dental exam and cleaning?
Most dentists recommend a dental cleaning every 6 months. This regular appointment schedule allows your dentist in 21114 to thoroughly clean your teeth and spot potential oro-dental issues early when they are easiest to treat. However, some people may need dental cleanings more frequently than twice a year. Factors that can dictate cleaning frequency include:- The health of your gums: Patients prone to gum disease may require more frequent cleanings.
- Cavity risk: Those susceptible to cavities benefit from 3 or 4 cleanings annually.
- Medical conditions: Diseases like diabetes can increase your risk for dental problems.
- Medications: Some prescriptions reduce saliva flow, which helps keep teeth clean.
- Diet and habits: Frequent snacking or smoking makes more frequent cleanings necessary.
What exactly is included in a standard dental cleaning appointment?
A standard dental cleaning appointment starts with a visual exam of your teeth and gums. Your hygienist will look for signs of decay, fractures, gum disease, and other problems. This is followed by:- Plaque and tartar removal - The hygienist scales and polishes your teeth to remove built-up calculus deposits.
- Tooth-by-tooth cleaning - All tooth surfaces are cleaned, including hard-to-reach back molars.
- Gum evaluation - Unhealthy gums can lead to chronic inflammation and bone loss.
- Dental polishing - Smooths rough spots and removes stains for a brighter smile.
- Fluoride treatment - Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent future tooth decay.
Can dental cleanings help prevent cavities and tooth decay?
Yes, regular professional cleanings help minimize your risk of developing cavities and dental decay! Even the most diligent at-home oral hygiene can't fully remove plaque in difficult places. Over time, leftover debris hardens into tartar that brushing and flossing simply can't tackle. This tartar is porous and attracts even more plaque buildup. Only a skilled dental hygienist has the tools and expertise to remove calculus, bacteria, and plaque biofilm accumulations fully. Dental cleanings near me prevent disease-causing bacteria from spreading and spreading cavities and gum disease. Consistent dental cleanings every six months are your best defense against new areas of tooth decay. Make sure you brush and floss well in between appointments.Do dental exams catch early signs of oral health problems?
In addition to professional cleaning, your periodic dental exam includes a thorough evaluation for any areas of concern. Your dentist will look for visual signs of:- Tooth decay - Small cavities are easier to treat before they grow.
- Gum disease - Red, swollen, or bleeding gums signal gingivitis.
- Oral cancer - Screenings can detect early symptoms and facilitate treatment.
- Problems below the surface - X-rays may reveal hidden issues.
Why are dental X-rays an important part of your exam?
As mentioned above, dental X-rays are crucial to your periodic oral exam. X-rays look underneath the visible tooth surface to check developing problems with the tooth roots, bone structure, and surrounding oral tissues. Some things X-rays can reveal that a visual inspection cannot include:- Small areas of early tooth decay between teeth
- Loss of bone support from gum disease
- Cysts, tumors, or other abnormalities
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Extent of cracked or fractured teeth
- Abscesses or bone infections
How can regular cleanings improve your overall health?
The advantages of having a professional clean your teeth are well-known. But did you know these routine dental visits can also positively impact your systemic health and well-being? Removing disease-causing bacteria from your mouth helps reduce inflammation throughout the body. Good oral health may lessen your risk for serious medical issues like:- Heart attack and stroke
- Adverse pregnancy outcomes
- Respiratory infections
- Diabetes complications
- Osteoporosis