Oral Health Odessey: The Importance of Dental Exams and Cleanings

Regular dental exams integrated with professional teeth cleaning are the keystone of preventive dentistry. These procedures focus on preventing or avoiding oral health issues. Routine check-ups and cleanings play a crucial role in helping keep your teeth and gums healthy. A healthy mouth can also help to protect the rest of your body from serious medical disorders like diabetes and hypertension.

Lakewood Ranch dental care comprises highly skilled and qualified dental specialists and hygienists who offer comprehensive dental care through regular oral exams and professional cleanings. Read on to unravel the importance of good oral health!

Unraveling the different dental exam methods

Your dentist will first evaluate your mouth to examine your teeth and gums. Regular check-ups once every 6 months or annually are essential that include the following preventive screening:

  • Diagnostic X-rays

These help in the early detection of tooth decay, tumors, cysts, lesions, and bone loss. X-rays greatly help dentists to study the morphology of the teeth and the surrounding structures that help during any treatment conducted.

  • Gum disease assessment

Your gums will be screened for any redness, tenderness, or the presence of gingival pockets. These mark the early signs of periodontal disease. 

  • Detection of any tooth decay

All the tooth surfaces will be checked for the presence of any pits fissures, or prominent cavities using special dental instruments.

  • Examination of old restorations

Your dentist will check existing fillings, implants, and crowns to check for any secondary caries or dislodgement of the prosthesis.

  • Oral cancer screening

Your dentist will examine your lips, tongue, inner cheek lining, throat, gums, jaws, neck, and face for signs of any oral cancer.

Professional cleaning at least once a year is your key to oral health!

Dental prophylaxis is often performed by dental hygienists post-dental examination. Your dental cleaning session includes the following:

  • Removal of plaque and tartar

Plaque and calculus are hardened bacterial debris that sticks to the tooth surfaces. These cannot be removed with regular brushing or flossing. Thus, special instruments are used to remove plaque and tartar from interdental and subgingival areas. Failure to remove plaque and tartar can worsen your condition due to the secretion of toxins that demineralize the tooth structure. 

  • Toothpaste cleaning

Once the plaque and tartar are removed, cleanings will include the use of gritty toothpastes that scrub against the teeth surface. This is known as teeth polishing. 

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are incredibly essential. Even though you don’t have any existing oral issues, such as tooth decay or gum disease, dental exams and cleanings can help you maintain good oral health. These procedures will be helpful in the long run to brighten your smile, boost your confidence level, and improve your quality of life.