The oral cavity is considered to be your gateway to overall health and wellness. It has a significant link with your other body systems. A good oral hygiene regimen is essential since it can inhibit the spread of infection to other parts of your body. Regular brushing and flossing can do this job but only to a certain limit. For more extensive professional care, you may require oral exams and cleanings.
Hunt Valley, MD dental practice offers comprehensive dental assessments and professional cleanings to enhance your oral form, function, and aesthetics!
Why do you need routine dental exams?
A dental or oral exam is a clinical evaluation of the oral cavity to detect problems related to your teeth, gums, jaw, and throat. Here is a list of reasons why you may need routine dental exams for good oral health:
- Identifies early signs of tooth decay and cavities
All the tooth surfaces will be checked for any pits, fissures, or prominent cavities using special dental instruments.
Decay usually forms due to bacterial infiltration and plaque adherence.
- Prevents gum disease or detects it at an early stage
Your dentist will examine your gums to check for any redness, tenderness, or the presence of gingival pockets. These mark the early signs of periodontal disease.
- Detects early signs of oral cancer
Your dentist will check your lips, tongue, inner cheek lining, throat, gums, jaws, neck, and face for signs of any oral cancer or precancerous conditions.
- Provide preventive dental measures
Your dentist may discuss the need for preventive measures and offer procedures like fluoride treatment.
What role do professional dental cleanings play in maintaining good oral health?
Professional dental cleanings play a significant role in maintaining your oral health, in addition to rejuvenating your smile.
Dental cleanings are important because:
- Stubborn stains, leading to tooth discoloration, can be removed, leaving you with a brighter smile.
- Getting your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist can prevent gum disease, which leads to early tooth loss.
- Oral cancer can be detected early during routine cleaning, enabling early treatment and management.
- Getting your teeth cleaned can reduce your chances of potentially deadly heart attacks and strokes.
- Early signs of problems, such as broken fillings and fractures, can be detected.
Overall, oral exams, and professional cleanings are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing dental problems. By scheduling regular appointments with your dentist you can ensure that your smile stays healthy and beautiful for years to come!
