The Importance of Routine Dental Exams

Feb 11

You've probably heard it before, but why are regular dental checkups in Rockhill so important?

Even if many of us believe our teeth are in good repair, it is critical to visit the family dentist on a regular basis. The best possible care you can provide for your teeth is regular oral hygiene and disease prevention. Early detection of abnormalities can save you a lot of time and money in the long run, and it may even save your tooth from extraction or root canal therapy. It's critical to see your dentist at least once a year, preferably twice, to have your teeth checked and cleaned.

Symptoms of some non-dental illnesses manifest themselves in the mouth. A dental exam can uncover indicators of vitamin and iron deficiency, as well as more serious illnesses like diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, HIV, and glandular fever.

Dental check-ups in children

Problems including crowded, missing, and crooked teeth, as well as issues with food, dental cleanliness, and the jaws, can all be addressed by taking them to the family dentist. The earlier a dentist detects these issues, the easier and less expensive the treatment will be. A mouth guard may also be recommended by the dentist for youngsters who participate in sports where a tooth could be damaged or knocked out.

Deep fissures (grooves) in molar teeth can be sealed using fissure sealants, which are thin protective coverings. These are used to protect teeth from deterioration in deep crevices that are difficult to clean with a toothbrush or mouthwash. At a dental check-up, fissure sealants may be prescribed.

The exam

Firstly the soft tissues are evaluated for ulcerations or other lesions. The dentist will also check the jaws and associated muscles.

The teeth are then thoroughly examined for cavities, broken fillings, and other potential dental issues. To ensure that nothing is overlooked, each tooth is examined one by one. The dentist will then check the gums and your general oral hygiene to ensure there are no concerns there.

The dentist may then take radiographs if necessary. Usually, two tiny radiographs of your back teeth are obtained every two years or when you attend a new dentist. There may be a need to take a panoramic radiograph as well, which gives a full image of both top and bottom jaws. The dentist will then examine your gums and general oral hygiene to ensure that there are no issues.

The dentist may then take radiographs if necessary. Every two years or when you see a new dentist, you should get two tiny radiographs of your back teeth. A panoramic radiograph, which provides a full view of both the top and bottom jaws, may also be required... These show any concealed damage between the teeth, injuries to the jaws, difficulties with wisdom teeth, and gum disease.

At the exam, the dentist will normally clean your teeth as well. Because hardened plaque (also known as calculus or tartar) is impossible to remove, the dentist must do it regularly (every 6-12 months).

The dentist can help you enhance your dental hygiene and smile in a variety of ways. Brushing and flossing correctly, diet, fluoride protection, overcoming tooth sensitivity, dry mouth, poor breath, replacing old, decaying fillings, and replacing missing teeth with dental bridges, dentures, and/or dental implants are all things your dentist can help with.

In addition to routine check-ups, always take your child for an emergency dental consultation if you have a toothache or some other oral health issue. The following are warning signs that require prompt attention:

* Bleeding in the mouth after brushing or flossing; bad breath persists; unexplained facial pain; pain when biting down on food; toothache that wakes you up at night; swollen gums.

If any of these symptoms are present, please visit your dentist as soon as possible. Ignoring dental problems will only make them worse in the long run!

A stunning grin

After the examination, the dentist can advise you on the next steps to take. Treatment options for stained, chipped, crooked, and missing teeth, as well as teeth with tooth decay and gum disease, might be explored.

You can talk about teeth whitening options and examine plastic or porcelain coverings to improve the form and color of your teeth (veneers). It's crucial to remember that these are the final steps in therapy; the most important component of a beautiful smile is a healthy smile, thus tooth decay and gum disease must be treated first.

How often should a person visit the dentist for a dental checkup?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a comprehensive dental examination at least once every six months. Regular dental check-ups allow for the early detection of many problems, resulting in future dental treatment that is simpler and less expensive.

What is the significance of dental health?

Bacteria in the mouth can multiply and mix with sugars from foods to form acids as dental health deteriorates. Cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and infections are all caused by these bacteria attacking the teeth.

It is important to have a regular dental checkup because it can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Here at River District Smiles, we offer comprehensive dental care that will keep your smile healthy and looking great. If you haven’t had a checkup in a while, or if you are new to the area, please give us a call today and schedule an appointment. We would love to welcome you into our practice!

Resources: