Dental exams are recommended every six months as a way of maintaining optimal oral health. While your at-home regimen hopefully consists of brushing twice a day for two-minute intervals, using mouthwash, and flossing after each meal, that is only part of keeping your teeth clean and preventing problems.
Having your teeth professionally cleaned helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. These twice a year exams also give your dentist the opportunity to check for issues such as oral cancer, gum disease, and cavities. The dentist will thoroughly check for any red flags that you would likely miss, such as checking your tongue, gums, neck, and even throat for irritation or redness that could signal disease or infection.
During the dental examination, your dentist is checking for damaged fillings, chipped or cracked teeth, and evaluating your bite alignment. If you have dental appliances including braces or a bridge, these items will be checked as well. X-rays are often taken during a six-month exam to create a clear image of areas that aren’t visible to the naked eye. X-rays enable your dentist to check for small cavities between the teeth and to see what is going on beneath the gums to assess the health of gum tissues and the roots of your teeth.
At the appointment, the hygienist will thoroughly remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth. This tool also fits into the tight areas between teeth and at the gum area. When tartar continues to buildup on your teeth, it hardens and causes irritation to the gum tissue. Leaving this unchecked will eventually compromise your gums and increase your risk of gum disease. The plaque and tartar will be safely removed with a scaling tool. Regardless of how much flossing and brushing you do on your own, tartar cannot be safely removed at home. Next, the hygienist will floss, clean, and polish your teeth. Afterward, you’ll be left with shiny smooth teeth.
The dental exam offers an ideal opportunity for you to discuss any concerns or issues. Whether you’ve experienced an occasional mild toothache, temperature sensitivity from foods or beverages, or want to discuss changes such as braces or teeth whitening, our friendly staff will be happy to help.
Would you like to make an appointment for a dental exam in Clearwater? Contact our office today and let our friendly staff schedule your exam today.