Five Reasons Why You Should Go for Exams and Cleanings Regularly

Regular exams and cleanings can maintain your oral health as the dentist can identify and treat problems early on and reduce the risk for serious oral conditions.

It’s important to make sure that your teeth remain strong and healthy. Unfortunately, many people don’t go to the dentist as often as they should. This creates room for decay, cavities, and gum disease to develop. It is only through regular visits to the dentist that you receive treatment for any cavities or problems that may arise. It helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues related to poor dental hygiene.

Your dentist knows what treatments work best for your specific needs – so they can tailor your appointments accordingly. That is why we recommend getting dental exams and cleanings in Calgary, AB, to help maintain your oral health.

What Are Dental Exams and Cleanings?

Dental exams and cleanings are the best way to avoid more serious problems with your teeth and gums. These exams typically include a visual examination of your mouth, teeth, and gums and the removal of plaque (a thin film of bacteria) from your teeth.

During cleaning, your dentist near you will use tools to brush away excess plaque from tooth surfaces, underneath tooth-colored fillings, between teeth, on chewing surfaces, and gum tissue.

Why Cleanings and Exams Are Necessary

There are many reasons why you need to get dental exams near you. Some of the benefits include:

1. Prevent decay and gum disease

The two most important reasons that cleanings and exams are necessary are to prevent cavities and gingivitis. Cleaning is a procedure that removes plaque, tartar, food particles, bacteria, and other debris from teeth.

The dentist may also recommend dental sealants if you are prone to dental cavities. Although the sealants are mostly used on children, they can also be used by adults. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the teeth to shield them from bacterial attacks.

2. Strengthens the teeth

As part of your routine exams, the dentist may perform fluoride treatment.

Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens the teeth and prevents decay. There are many ways to get the mineral into your body, such as drinking fluoridated water or using fluoride toothpaste.

Fluoride treatment is one of the most popular methods for preventing dental caries (tooth decay). The treatment involves applying a fluoride paste, gel, foam, or varnish on the teeth to dissolve topical plaque and neutralize bacteria. Fluoride works by strengthening tooth enamel and making it more resistant to acids produced by oral bacteria, which cause cavities. It also reduces the risk of cavities in adults who have had inadequate exposure to fluoride during childhood.

3. Detects oral cancer and other health issues

Oral cancer screening is also a part of your routine dental exams. It is the examination of the mouth and throat for signs of cancer. The screening is crucial because oral cancers are not noticeable in the early stages as they do not have any symptoms.

The dentist will do both visual and physical examination to check for any immobile cells. If there is anything abnormal, the dentist will use a small brush or cotton swab to collect cells from inside the mouth and from the back of the throat. These cells will then be examined under a microscope for any sign of malignancy.

4. It leaves your teeth bright

Getting teeth cleaning near you can leave your teeth looking bright. While it is not a bleaching procedure, the dentist can remove the stains and any plaques on the teeth (make them look yellow).

5. Saves your costly dental procedures

When you develop decay, the dentist may remove it to save the rest of the teeth with procedures like a root canal. Teeth removal leaves unsightly gaps that can damage the teeth and jaw. You will need to get other restorative dental procedures like dental implants and bridges to replace the teeth.

What to Expect When Getting a Dental Examination

When you go for a checkup, the dentist will typically take x-rays of your mouth, which show cavities or problems in other parts of the mouth. The dentist may also use an intraoral camera to take pictures inside the mouth. After the examination, a dental hygienist will clean the teeth.

The dentist will answer any questions you might have about your oral health, and she may recommend you visit in six months to monitor your oral health.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit East Hills Dental Clinic for more information about the importance of dental exams and cleaning.