Facts You Should Know About Routine Dental Exams

Facts You Should Know About Routine Dental Exams

Mar 31, 2022

You should schedule routine dental exams at least twice per year. They’re important because they keep your teeth in perfect condition which can reduce the risk of dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. If you have existing dental problems, your dentist will also take time to treat and manage these conditions.

If you’re considering a dental exam, you might be wondering what to expect and how you’ll benefit from it. Here is what you need to know.

What Happens During a Dental Exam?

Generally, routine dental exams and cleanings are about cleaning and checking your mouth for dental issues. The exam also includes scraping off plaque and tartar and polishing your teeth to give them a brighter and smooth appearance.

Why Dental Exams Are So Important

Below are eight benefits of having routine dental exams and cleanings:

  • Early cavity detection

Detecting and treating cavities early is a top priority during dental exams. Only minimal restorative dentistry work such as fillings is needed when caught early enough. However, if left untreated deep cavities and tooth decay can develop and you will need extensive dental treatments such as root canal therapy, fillings, and dental crowns, which can be expensive and lengthy.

  • It prevents cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay

Experts recommend that you brush twice daily and floss daily. There’s a risk of developing plaque if you don’t do that when food participles and other debris mix with the natural bacteria in the mouth. If plaque is left to sit for too long, it hardens into tartar and causes infections, inflammation, cavities, gum disease, and tooth yellowing. Unfortunately, even the most vigorous brushing and flossing can’t eliminate tartar. However, your dentist can use specialized tools to scrape off the plaque and tartar, ensuring that your mouth is safe from disease.

  • A brighter smile

When tartar and plaque form on your teeth and gums, they can make your smile look yellow-brown or dull. The dentist removes these deposits during an exam and polishes the teeth to provide you with a brighter smile. If necessary, the dentist can perform teeth whitening to remove stubborn stains.

  • Learn about your oral health

During routine dental exams, you’ll also get a chance to learn more about your oral health. The dentist will also guide you on what you can do or change to maintain a perfect smile and excellent oral health. You can also ask your dentists for personal recommendations on proper dental products and care tips.

  • Bite evaluation

Your dentist will evaluate your bite to check the alignment of your mouth. If your bite is uneven, it can strain the jaw muscles, leading to pain and discomfort. The dentist will offer the necessary orthodontic work to correct it. You can use dental pieces such as braces, Invisalign, and veneers to shift your teeth to their right position.

  • Monitor existing dental restorations

If you have previous dental work, it’s important to check them for damages. These restorations can make you susceptible to cavities, oral infections, and gum disease if damaged. During a dental exam, the dentist will check these restorations to ensure they are in perfect working conditions. If necessary, the dentist can perform the necessary replacement or repair.

  • Oral cancer screening

Due to the increased rate of oral cancer cases, most dentists have begun to perform oral cancer screenings as part of their routine in dental appointments. The dentist checks the mouth, neck, and throat for early signs of oral cancer. It allows the dentist to catch oral cancer as early as possible, where treatment is more likely to succeed and easy to reverse.

  • Improve dental and overall health

The key reason behind routine exams and cleanings treatment is to prevent, diagnose, and treat dental issues on time. This ensures a healthy mouth and a brighter smile. Usually, there’s a connection between your oral and overall well-being. For instance, poor dental health can increase your risk of developing autoimmune disease, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other illnesses.

Schedule an Appointment Today with our Dentist in Quincy, MA

Are you interested in dental exams and cleanings services? Schedule a dentist appointment with at Quincy Dental Associates for more information.

Our dental practice welcomes new patients of all ages from Quincy, MA, and the surrounding areas of:

  • Braintree |
  • Milton |
  • Wollaston |
  • Weymouth

Our family dentistry in Quincy, MA also welcome patients from the below given nearby areas:-

617-773-2490 Schedule Now
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