Dental exams and cleanings are considered the foundation of good oral hygiene. A dental cleaning at our dental office typically involves removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the mouth. During the dental exam, your dentist will examine the soft tissues in your mouth, including the gums and cheeks. The dentist will also look at your head and neck to check for any abnormalities or abnormalities. The dentist will check your teeth for signs of decay, wear, or cracking. Next, the dentist will examine your face, lips, and tongue. He or she will check for any abnormalities in the mucous membranes, such as sores, inflammation, white or red patches, or lumps.
Lastly, an X-ray may be taken to check for any abnormalities between the teeth, jawbone, sinuses, or jaw joints.
How often do I need a dental cleaning or exam?
Patients with healthy teeth and gums may require a dental cleaning and exam every six months. However, patients with gum disease or other dental complications may need to visit the dentist every three to four months.
Importance of dental cleanings and exams
Dental cleanings and exams are the foundation of preventative dental care. When you schedule regular checkups, your dentist can spot and treat minor problems before they develop into something more serious.
Here is how dental cleanings and exams can benefit you:
- Prevent tooth decay
Preventing tooth decay begins at home with brushing and flossing regularly. However, even with good oral hygiene, tooth decay can still occur. Scheduling routine dental cleanings and exams can help protect your teeth from decay. During your dental cleanings, our dentist will use special tools to clean your teeth and remove tartar buildup. Tartar is plaque that has hardened into deposits on your teeth. These deposits build up along the gumline and between teeth.
If your dentist finds signs of decay during your dental exam, he may recommend a dental filling. Dental fillings restore the function of your teeth by repairing decayed teeth.
- Prevent gum disease
If you’re due for a cleaning, don’t put it off! Your dentist or dental hygienist will be able to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque is bacteria that accumulates on teeth, and if it isn’t removed, it hardens to tartar and leads to gum disease.
- Preventing oral cancer
Did you know that more than 90% of cases of oral cancer are tied to lifestyle choices? Eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking, and protecting yourself from the sun can all help reduce your risk for oral cancer.
An oral cancer exam is an important part of regular dental checkups. The earlier oral cancer is caught, the easier it is to treat.
- Early diagnosis (which can help treat problems early)
Diagnosing dental problems early can help prevent them from getting worse. For example, gum disease often causes bleeding gums, which can be an early sign of gum disease. Many people ignore bleeding gums or other early symptoms of gum disease. However, a dentist can notice these symptoms and diagnose the problem early.
- A brighter smile
A dental cleaning is one of the simplest things you can do to improve your smile. When plaque remains on the teeth, it eventually hardens and becomes calculus. The calculus cannot be removed at home, so it must be removed by a dental professional. Calculus, or tartar, cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. That’s why it is important to visit your dentist for routine cleanings and exams every six months.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of dental exams and teeth cleanings, contact Dental Arts of Boston at (617) 266-0441 today to book an appointment with Dentist Boston MA. Our team can offer guidance and make product recommendations for your unique smile.