The Importance Of Dental Exams and Cleaning
What Is A Dental Exam?
While the word exam may sound intimidating, a dental exam is basically a thorough checkup on your teeth that is meant to look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, problems with tooth enamel, oral cancer, overall tooth cleanliness, and other oral health issues. As a rule of thumb, most children and adults should get a dental exam every six months. Dental examinations are important for protecting and maintaining your oral health. Oral health problems can become serious and painful if not treated promptly by dental professionals. In most cases, dental exams are usually performed at a dental office by both a dentist and a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists are healthcare professionals trained to clean teeth and gums and help patients maintain good oral health habits.Benefits Of Regular Dental Exams: Why Do I Need A Dental Exam?
Dental exams are important for good oral hygiene and to keep your tooth enamel strong and your mouth healthy. During a typical dental exam, a dentist will use dental x-rays to look at your teeth and gums to check for other issues and diseases. There’s much more to a dental exam than checking for decay and cavities. Here are a few of the oral health benefits of regular dental examinations.-
- Check for Oral Cancer. Did you know that most cancers of the mouth or throat are usually diagnosed by dentists during routine exams? The survival rate for oral cancer is good if the disease is detected during the early stages, using dental appointments like exams and cleanings.
- Prevent and Check For Gum Disease. When you have deep spaces between your gums and/or holes in your teeth, this can often indicate the presence of gum disease (aka periodontal disease) which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
- Look For Multiple Medical Conditions. As with any health exam, your dentist will also check whether you have other dental problems like bad breath, cavities, sensitive gums, and good overall oral hygiene.
What Is Dental Cleaning?
There are two main types of dental cleanings that you can have to maintain healthy teeth and improve your oral hygiene.Routine Dental Cleanings
A routine cleaning is a regular dental checkup where your dentist or dental hygienist uses special tools to remove sticky plaque and hard tartar deposits from the surfaces of your teeth above your gums. These cleanings are very important for preventing gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath, and other problems. If you have any of these problems, you may require more frequent dental cleanings. This routine dental appointment is also an opportunity to bring up questions or issues you are having with your teeth like sensitive teeth, bleeding gums, tooth pain, and other issues. Professional cleaning is usually combined with an exam to allow the dentist a chance to examine your teeth. You may also ask your hygienist to have fluoride treatment done. Fluoride treatments can strengthen your enamel and prevent tooth decay or loose teeth.Deep Dental Cleanings
As the name suggests, deep cleanings provide your teeth with a deeper cleaning than a routine checkup. These types of cleanings use special techniques to clean your teeth all the way down to your tooth roots. If you do not clean your teeth regularly, bacteria and infections could cause a lot of damage that will take costly treatments and extensive procedures to fix. A deep dental cleaning removes bacteria below the gum line and around the roots to prevent gum disease from advancing and causing tooth loss. Oftentimes, deep cleaning will go below your gum line; so, deep dental cleanings use local anesthetics to numb your gums or, if your gums are very sensitive or you're anxious, sedation might be used to keep you calm and comfortable.Benefits Of Regular Dental Exams: Why Do I Need My Teeth Cleaned?
Visiting your dentist regularly for cleaning will keep both your teeth and body healthy. Additionally, a good cleaning can help you keep your teeth whiter as your dental cleaning will also include flossing between your teeth and polishing to eliminate stains and leave your mouth feeling ultra-fresh. Many dentists recommend professional cleanings as part of your regular oral hygiene routine. In fact, many medical studies have established links between oral health and overall well-being.
Book An Exam or Cleaning: Tooth Buds Dentistry
Ready to improve your oral and overall health with routine exams and cleanings? Book an appointment with one of our dentists today at Tooth Buds Dentistry in Orangeville!
Dr. Prabhdeep Kaur, a General Dentist, has been enriching the field of dentistry with her expertise for over 13 years, having obtained her license in Canada in 2015. A holder of a BDS degree, Dr. Kaur’s proficiency spans a wide array of dental services, including General and Cosmetic Dentistry, Wisdom Teeth Extractions, Invisalign, and more. Her commitment to her craft is further evidenced by her memberships in prestigious organizations like the Ontario Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario.
Renowned for her patient-focused approach, Dr. Kaur emphasizes the importance of listening and customizing treatments to meet individual needs, viewing dentistry not only as a science but also as an art form dedicated to enhancing and restoring smiles. Her dedication to ongoing education ensures she remains at the cutting edge of dental advancements.
Outside her professional life, Dr. Kaur enjoys family time, travel, and cinema, adding a relatable and approachable dimension to her persona. She is passionate about delivering professional and quality dental care, driven by her desire to connect with people and address their dental needs effectively.
Dr. Kaur’s journey in dentistry serves as an inspiration for aspiring dental professionals, advocating determination, motivation, and enjoyment in their work. Follow her journey and professional updates on Instagram @drprabh84, where she continues to inspire both her patients and peers in the dental community.
