You may have regularly received those friendly reminders from your dentist’s office about your routine checkups. But due to busy schedules, you brush away the reminders. Regular visits to the dentist are something that you should all take seriously.
Regular dental exams and cleanings offered by the family dentist in Aurora help to keep your oral health at peak and also save you money in the long run.
Why are regular dental visits important?
Regular dental visits help in preventing tooth problems or in their early detection. They can save you from extensive dental procedures that greatly save you time and money.
What does a dental exam include?
During your dental visit, a comprehensive dental exam will be conducted. This will include the following:
- Detection of tooth decay: Special dental instruments like probes will be used to check for caries on the tooth surfaces.
- Evaluation of gum disease: Your gums and the bone surrounding your teeth will be evaluated to check for signs of periodontal disease like bleeding gums, gingival pockets, loose teeth, and soreness in the alveolar bone.
- Assessment of the existing restorations: Your dentist will evaluate the existing fillings for secondary infections.
- Evaluating dental X-rays: X-rays are excellent diagnostic tools to detect dental caries, tumors, and bone loss and help to determine the tooth and root position.
- Oral cancer screening: Your dentist will examine your face, lips, tongue, throat, and gums for any early signs of cancer.
What is the significance of professional cleaning in dental care? And what does it involve?
Professional dental cleanings aim at eliminating plaque, bacteria, and calculus. These procedures prevent or halt the progression of gum disease.
These include the following:
- Plaque removal: Plaque is a sticky material that forms a thin film on tooth surfaces. It consists of bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce harmful toxins that damage and inflame the gums, causing periodontal disease. Dental cleanings effectively remove plaque through ultrasonic scalers.
- Calculus removal: Calculus is the hardened form of plaque that has been left behind on the tooth surface. Regular brushing and flossing cannot eliminate calculus and thus require professional cleaning.
- Teeth polishing: Your dentist will use specialized rubber cups and paste to remove stains that are otherwise not removed through brushing and scaling. This also aids in smoothening the teeth surfaces, preventing the adherence of plaque.
Closure
Regular dental exams and cleanings mean a healthier you! It is not just about your oral health but also the health of your whole body. Healthy teeth and gums are important to ensure a higher quality of life.
