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Are dental exams and cleanings necessary?  Advice from experts

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dental exams and cleanings

Good dental hygiene is essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, and the way to ensure this is through regular visits to the dentist. Rufe Snow Dental explains why dental exams and cleanings are important and provides advice on good care for your teeth.

Why regular dental care is important ?

You know how important it is to maintain your oral health. But, have you ever asked yourselves why dental exams are so important?  Having regular dental appointments is essential for healthy teeth and mouth. Let’s take a closer look at why dental exams are necessary and how they can benefit you.

Regular dental exams help ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy by detecting some potential problems before they become serious. During a routine exam, your dentist will check for signs of decay, gum disease, cavities, or other dental issues. If your dentist notices any problems, the dentist provides immediate treatment to prevent further damage. In addition, dentists may also recommend preventative treatments such as fluoride treatments, or sealants to protect your teeth from future decay.

Regular appointments also allow your dentist to remove plaque buildup on your teeth and give you tips on taking better care of them at home.

What the experts say about dental exams and cleanings ?

Although regular dental exams are the key to healthy teeth and gums, many people are reluctant to see their dentist at least every year.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that adults visit their dentist at least once every six months for a checkup and professional cleaning. On such a visit, your dentist will check for any signs of decay or gum disease and give you an overall assessment of your oral health. If your dentist finds anything disturbing, further treatment is recommended or may refer you to a specialist.

Why are dental exams necessary?

 It is advisable to see your dentist even if you have no symptoms, such as toothache, cavities, or bleeding gums.  The reason is that some medical conditions can show signs in your mouth that only your dentist can detect.

Your dentist may require X-rays to detect any problems with the teeth and gums not visible to the naked eye.  You needn’t worry about digital X-rays because they emit less radiation than traditional X-ray equipment.

Also, your dentist will ask about your medical history to prevent undesirable complications following your dental treatment.

What does a comprehensive dental examination include?

During a dental check, your dentist looks for signs of cavities and indications of gum problems, such as swelling, redness, or sores. Also, gum infection and bad breath may be an indication of diabetes. On a regular checkup, your dentist examines your teeth thoroughly and may perform an oral cancer screening and take X-rays if needed.

The dentist examines your jawbone to make certain that your bite is correct and that there’s no sign of jaw gritting, such as worn-out teeth.

Your dentist looks for signs of mouth or throat cancer, as the early stage may be unnoticed by the individual.  Such early signs may include abnormalities, ulcers, troubling bleeding, and blocked salivary glands.  Oral cavity cancer, which is more common in men, is often diagnosed, but the survival rate is promising if it is detected early.

Evidently, regular dental exams help maintain your oral health but can also reveal other health issues, as several medical conditions often affect your mouth. Detecting any health problems at an early stage is vital for successful treatment.

What does dental cleaning involve?

A dental exam most frequently includes a thorough cleaning as well.  Your dentist removes the plaque and tartar deposits by scraping above and below the gum line and flossing your teeth.

The cleaning process is completed with teeth polishing. Apart from the aesthetic result, your teeth are shiny, with a smooth finish, without any residues of plaque, tartar, or even food particles. Having smoother teeth makes it more difficult for plaque to build between dental checks.

Even if you no longer have natural teeth, regular dental visits are necessary for your oral health and the efficacy of your artificial teeth and dentures.

Is dental cleaning painful?

If you have routine visits to the dentist, a dental cleaning may not be painful. But if you put off your appointments, gum inflammation, tooth decay, and other oral disease symptoms can cause increased sensitivity.

Your dentist will determine how often you should have a dental exam. Some patients need to visit their dentist once or twice a year, while others – those diagnosed with diabetes, pregnant women, and smokers, for example – more visits may be required.

Dental cleanings are just as vital as dental exams to maintaining good oral health.

Dental exams can save you money in the long run

If left untreated, minor dental issues can increase into more expensive treatments down the road. For example, a cavity that needs a filling could lead to an infection or even a root canal procedure. This is why routine examinations are so important, by detecting any issues early on when they’re still small and easily treatable, you may be able to save yourself money in the long run by avoiding costly procedures.

Additionally, your dentist will remind you that brushing twice a day with toothpaste containing fluoride, flossing daily, eating a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day – all these habits can go a long way toward keeping your teeth healthy between visits to the dentist.

All considered, seeing a dentist routinely is one of the best ways to maintain good oral health.  Experts believe that regular dental checkups help prevent any potential issues from becoming more severe problems, requiring more intensive treatment down the line. So if it’s been a while since you last saw a dentist – now is as good a time as any!  Take care of yourself by scheduling an appointment today with Rufe Snow Dental.

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Check out Rufe Snow’s Office hours to plan your visit.
Monday 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

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