Most of us grow up with our parents taking us to the dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. As kids and adolescents, we do this without much thought about why regular dental exams are so important. However, as we grow into adulthood and are tasked with keeping up on these appointments ourselves, we begin to really understand the value of these regular trips to the dentist. From general oral health to early detection of serious oral health issues, there are a number of reasons why those twice-annual visits should always happen.
Deep Cleaning
With every regular dental exam, a dental hygienist will give you a deep cleaning. The dental hygienist will use a small metal tool called a scaler to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth. Plaque is a sticky, bacteria-filled film that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if not removed regularly. Tartar is a hardened plaque and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removing both and providing you with a deep cleaning is the best way to avoid gum disease down the road.
Preventive Care
During a dental exam, your dentist or dental hygienist will also perform a comprehensive examination of your entire mouth. Using a small mirror and a dental explorer, they will inspect your teeth and gums for any signs of dental or oral issues. This examination helps to identify early-stage diseases that can be addressed before they progress to a more advanced stage requiring more complex treatment. Early warning signs can include gum recession, inflammation, or growing periodontal pockets, which could indicate early gum disease. Dental X-rays are also a preventative measure taken during regular dental exams, which helps your dentist detect any issues that aren't visible during a visual examination. This includes cavities between teeth, problems with the jawbone, or impacted wisdom teeth.
Mouth Cancer Screening
A lesser known fact is that your dentist is also giving you a mouth cancer screening at each regular dental visit. They will examine your mouth for any signs of cancer, which include a mouth sore that isn’t healing, growths or lumps inside the mouth, or white or reddish patches inside the mouth. These checks usually result in no unusual findings but could potentially save your life if an early sign of mouth cancer is noticed.
Consultation Opportunity
Regular visits with your dentist also provide an opportunity to discuss any concerns about your oral health or the visual appearance of your teeth. For example, your dentist might notice that you’re not adequately brushing certain teeth and may recommend an electric toothbrush, or they may notice gum recession and suggest a softer manual toothbrush. In addition, you may want to inquire about tooth whitening since so many options exist in the market today – some smarter and more effective than others. Regular visits with your dentist provide an opportunity to make sure you’re on the right track with your oral health and making healthy choices.
If you have additional questions about the importance of regular dental exams and how they play a vital role in lifelong oral health, contact us.