Why Are Dental Exams and Cleanings Important?

A dental exam is an oral examination of the teeth, gums, tongue, and other structures of the mouth. It is a necessary part of dental care because it can help detect diseases that could go undetected without a thorough examination. A dental exam includes an assessment of your oral health status, medical history, medication use, periodontal disease status, cavity status, and risk factors for tooth decay.

Dental cleanings are necessary to remove plaque buildup. Dental exams and cleanings are usually recommended at least twice a year for adults and children over six years.

What is a Dental Exam, and What Does It Include?

A dental exam has a lot of benefits and is often recommended to detect any oral health issues that the person might have. A dentist will examine your mouth and take x-rays to see if you have cavities, plaque, or other issues.

The dental exam includes a visual and manual examination of the teeth and gums, including probing around the gums for any source of infection. The dentist may also look for any signs of toothaches, pain when chewing, or other symptoms which indicates possible tooth problems.

Our dentist in Cupertino can also do an oral cancer screening. Oral cancer screening is a practice of examining the mouth and throat for signs of oral cancer. These signs may include white or red patches, ulcers, or asymmetrical growths on the inside lining of the cheek, inside lip, or on the floor (roof) of the mouth.

The dentist will perform both physical and visual exams to check the condition of the teeth. If anything is a miss, a biopsy may be done to determine if the lesions are cancerous.

Why Do Dental Exams Need to Be Done So Often?

Dental exams are an important process in the dental care of patients. It helps create a more sustainable and healthy environment for everyone. This is because they help assess the health of someone’s teeth and gums. They also help with the prevention of oral diseases.

Our dentist in 95014 recommends regular dental exams because they are the only ones who can detect abnormalities in the mouth. Most dentists will recommend that you go at least twice a year for a dental exam.

The frequency of your visits to the dentist should be determined by how often you consume sugary foods, how often you brush your teeth, and how serious your dental issues are.

Regular Cleaning vs. Deep Teeth Cleaning; How Do They Differ

Regular cleaning involves scaling (and polishing) the surface of your teeth to remove plaque. It is usually done in your dentist’s office every six months or so.

Deep cleaning or scaling and root planing (or deep scaling) means removing plaque beneath the gum line. It is done as part of gum disease treatment to reduce the gum pockets. It also includes smoothing roughened tooth surfaces caused by cavities or other damage. Periodontal deep cleaning procedure takes one hour to complete in most cases, but it can take longer for patients with extensive tooth decay or gum disease.

Why You Need to Be Scheduling Your Dental Exams

You must make an appointment for a dental exam as soon as possible. The sooner you schedule this appointment the more time you give yourself to find any problems before they become serious.

It is vital to schedule dental exams because it:

• Prevent tooth decay
• You will get a professional dental check-up
• The dentist can monitor your oral health
• You will get to diagnose and treat mouth problems early
• Maintain healthy teeth

What are the Risks of Not Visiting the Dentist for Regular Dental Exams & Cleanings?

The consequences of not receiving dental exams can be costly. While they may not be life-threatening in the short term, the long-term effects of missing out on dental exams can cost you more in the long run like:

• Disease and infection in the mouth and teeth can lead to complications in other areas such as the heart, lungs, gums, and jawbone.
• Bad breath and tooth decay may cause problems with eating and talking.
• Tooth loss, abscesses, bone loss around teeth, or general infections that could be life-threatening.
• Cavities, periodontal disease, and tooth decay

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Cupertino Family Dental for more information on dental exams and teeth cleaning.