Importance of Dental Exams
Dental exams form an essential role in preventative dentistry, the type of dentistry concerned with the prevention of oral disease. As such, regular dental exams and check-ups are necessary to keep good oral hygiene. Here are a few things to know about the importance of dental exams.
Importance of Dental Exams | Benefits
Brushing with toothpaste, flossing, and rinsing with fluoridated mouthwash on a daily basis are important for staving off the incidence of bacterial infection and tooth degradation, but it is only with the guidance of a dental health care professional that your daily regimen can be completely effective. Dentists are able to thoroughly inspect their patients’ mouths, detecting areas where even the most diligent of brushers and flossers cannot help but overlook, such as the deep pockets between teeth and the zone around the molars. It is in these regions of the mouth that the teeth and the gums are most susceptible to infection and deterioration, and only a dentist can effectively examine these parts of the mouth in order to determine the efficacy of everyday brushing and flossing.
Importance of Dental Exams | How Often Should You Receive Dental Exams?
The American Dental Association recommends that everyone, regardless of age, schedule a dental exam at least two times each year. Individuals who are prone to cavities or gum disease may find it beneficial to schedule exams more often, but the minimum of two exams per year is a solid baseline in the fight against problems with oral hygiene.
Download Our FREE Dental Treatment Guide
Importance of Dental Exams | What a Dentist Will Look For
During a dental examination, a dentist will inspect the entire mouth for signs of decay in the teeth and their roots, as well as for indicators of disease in the gums and the jawbones. Because the alignment of the jaws is crucial to overall dental health, a dentist will look for issues with a patient’s bite and alignment. From there, the attention will turn to the shape and fortitude of the teeth themselves; the dentist will remove any stains, tartar, or plaque that happen to have accumulated on the surfaces of the teeth or in the spaces between them. This cleaning process will also enable the dentist to tell whether a particular tooth may warrant restoration or removal.
If there is evidence to suggest that a tooth or gum disease is present, a digital dental X-ray will be taken of part or the whole of the mouth, allowing the dentist to more comprehensively evaluate the situation. Should a pocket of tartar, a reduction in bone density, or another telltale sign of infection appear, the dentist will be able to determine the next steps to begin the healing process.
If you are interested in receiving a dental exam, or any form of dental treatment, schedule an appointment with Teach Dental Group today! Our experienced Buffalo dentists have provided dental exams to patients throughout Western New York for over 40 years. We also offer free consultations.
