How Dental Exams and Cleanings are Important for Dental Hygiene
Every time you go to the dentist for an exam and cleaning, they will check for the presence of decay. This is important because if left untreated, plaque can build up and lead to cavities, gum disease, or worse – tooth loss. Additionally, it’s also a good idea to get regular dental exams and cleanings near you so that any issues don’t develop into more serious problems! This blog post explains why getting annual dental exams with cleanings is important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
What Are Dental Exams and Cleanings?
Dental exams are periodic checkups of your mouth by a dentist, during which they will examine your teeth and gums for any signs of oral health problems. Cleanings, on the other hand, are done to remove plaque. The dentist can also take x-rays of your teeth and gums to check for signs of disease or any problems that might require treatment. Afterward, they’ll use dental equipment like high-speed dental drills and suction tips to remove plaque deposits from your teeth.
What Happens During a Tooth Exam and Cleaning?
The dental examination is done in a few steps, which include:
- Examination
Dr. Dharmendra Pansuriya generally performs a dental exam before tooth cleaning. The dental hygienist uses a tiny mirror to inspect the areas surrounding your teeth and gums for any signs of gingivitis. They’ll look for signs of oral health problems such as dental plaque buildup near the gum line, dental caries (cavities), dental lesions (such as cold sores), and tooth fractures.
- Cleaning the teeth and gums
When your dentist removes tartar, he uses a special tool to dig it out of the holes in your teeth. You’ll hear scraping, but this is completely normal. The more tartar you have in your mouth, the longer it will take to remove it.
- Toothpaste cleaning
After removing the plaque, the hygienist will use an electric brush to brush the teeth. While it may sound frightening, this is an excellent method to clean your teeth thoroughly and remove any tartar that the initial cleaning may have left behind.
- Flossing
Nothing compares to an expert flossing session. Your dental hygienist can explore between your teeth and identify any potential bleeding sites in the gums.
- Applying fluoride treatment
The final step in the cleaning process is a fluoride treatment. This therapy is employed as a protective agent for your teeth to aid against cavities for several months. They’ll stuff a foamy gel (or sometimes a sticky paste) into a mouthpiece that covers your teeth. It’s usually kept on your teeth for a minute. Fluoride varnish is also brushed onto the teeth with a tiny brush in addition to the foamy gel.
Why Are Dental Exams and Cleanings Important?
Having dental exams and cleanings is essential for dental hygiene. It offers great benefits like:
- Preventing cavities and tooth loss
Gum disease is a dangerous condition caused by plaque buildup. As it advances, plaque migrates down into the tooth and destroys supporting bone tissues in the jaw. The teeth become loose and begin to fall out when this happens. Dental cleanings greatly decrease the likelihood of a patient’s teeth being lost due to gum disease.
- Keep your breath clean
Although frequent tooth brushing and flossing might aid in keeping oral odor at bay, a professional dental cleaning every six months is essential for maintaining an odor-free oral environment.
- Improve your general health
The health of your teeth and gums has an impact on general health. After all, the roots of your teeth are near your sinus and brain cavities. An infection in a tooth might lead to significant health problems as a result. Regular dental visits and cleanings, on the other hand, may improve your overall health and help you avoid dental complications.
Does Teeth Cleaning Cause Tooth Sensitivity?
Teeth cleaning may cause dental hypersensitivity, especially if not done properly. If you experience tooth or gum irritation, visit a dentist near you for assistance.
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