7 Great Benefits of Dental Exams and Cleanings
Dentists recommend cleaning your teeth at least twice daily for continued oral well-being. Cleaning entails brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled brush for two minutes each time and flossing afterward. These steps prevent the accumulation of plaque, a sticky by-product of bacterial activity in the mouth that’s responsible for cavities and gum disease.
However, even with consistent brushing and flossing, you’re still at risk of developing dental problems. That’s because brushing and flossing don’t always eliminate all traces of plaque and tartar, the hardened form of plaque. For best results, we recommend scheduling regular teeth exams and cleanings at Great Neck Dental Associates, a multi-specialty dental office in Great Neck, NY.
What Happens During Dental Exams and Cleanings?
During a dental exam, your dentist carefully evaluates your oral cavity to check for apparent issues such as cavities, gum disease, bite problems, worn teeth, etc. For this process, the dentist uses visual observation, dental x-rays, and advanced dental tools such as caries detection technology. The objective of the dental exam is to check if you have any existing or imminent issues that require urgent attention.
After examining your oral and overall health, the dentist moves to the second part of your appointment, which involves thoroughly cleaning your teeth to remove plaque and tartar. The dentist or dental hygienist then uses a dental scaler to gently scrape off plaque deposits from the teeth surfaces. Additionally, the dental hygienist may also use an electric toothbrush and gritty toothpaste to remove stubborn plaque deposits and stains.
The dentist may incorporate other procedures during your exams and cleanings treatment, e.g. dental sealants and fluoride treatment.
Why Are Teeth Exams and Cleanings Important?
Teeth exams and cleanings are critical components of preventive dentistry. If you’d like to take greater control of your oral well-being, we recommend starting with regular exams and cleanings for you and your whole family.
Here are seven reasons why dental exams and cleanings are essential:
Prevent tooth decay
Tooth decay is a leading cause of tooth loss and one of the most prevalent dental problems worldwide. However, when caught in good time, cavities can be treated non-invasively through dental fillings. Better yet, cleanings prevent tooth decay altogether by ensuring that the teeth are free from cavity-causing plaque at all times.
Prevent gum disease
Gum disease occurs when plaque attacks the gums, leading to severe inflammation and infection. During professional teeth cleaning, your dental hygienist eliminates plaque from your oral cavity, which significantly minimizes your risk of periodontal disease.
Safeguard your overall health
Individuals with poor oral health are at a higher risk of developing chronic diseases, including heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. Safeguarding your oral health via regular exams and cleanings treatments results in better overall health.
A cost-effective approach to dental care
It’s often cheaper to prevent a problem than it is to treat one. When it comes to dental care, waiting until it’s too late can result in costly, time-consuming, and intensive treatments. For example, a cavity that goes on too long will often require root canal therapy or extraction. Rather than undergo this, why not schedule a painless teeth exam to make sure the cavity never forms in the first place?
Identify underlying health conditions
We mentioned before that your oral health is interlinked with your overall health. This means that your dentist can help you detect underlying health issues even before they become apparent. For example, bad breath may indicate stomach cancer. If you’re grinding your teeth excessively, it may point to stress issues. Identification of an underlying issue helps you to receive timely and appropriate treatment.
Help to detect oral cancers
Many cancers are treatable and curable if detected early. During a dental exam, your dentist keeps an eye out for signs of oral cancer, including bad breath, lumps, lesions, loose teeth, and bleeding gums. Oral cancer is treatable via chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
Build self-confidence
Imagine receiving a vote of confidence from your dentist every six months? Knowing that you’re in excellent oral health boosts your self-confidence. It allows you to tackle your everyday tasks and goals without being held back by the uncertainty and apprehension often presented by dental problems.
Schedule Your Dental Exams and Cleanings Today
Are you looking for a trusted dental office to guide you on your oral health journey? Then reach out to Great Neck Dental Associates to enjoy personalized exams and cleanings treatment.