A great oral care routine at home can go a long way toward protecting your oral health, but if you’re not seeing your dentist twice a year for a routine checkup, you’re still at risk for developing multiple issues that can threaten your healthy smile.1 A dental visit once every six months can seem like a lot, but once you learn all the things brushing and flossing can’t do, you’ll likely be searching “dental exam near me” in a hurry.
What Happens During a Routine Dental Exam?
When you visit your dentist for a routine exam, they will review your medical history to understand better what to look for during the checkup. Certain medical conditions can alter how your dentist may perform the exam, so it’s important to tell them everything you can about your medical history.
Oral Exam
The next step in your routine exam will be to examine your teeth using special tools to help them identify cavities and other oral health issues. Your dentist will also inspect your gums for signs of swelling, redness, bleeding, and any other indications of gum disease. The final step to this part of the exam will be to observe your jawbones to see if you have any issues with your bite.
Oral Cancer Screening
During your routine exam, your dentist will also check for signs of oral cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 54,540 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed in 2023. While that may sound alarming, regular exams can help catch early signs of the disease when treatment is far more straightforward and effective.2
X-Rays
Your dentist may also take some X-rays during your routine exam. X-rays allow your dentist to see the bigger picture of your oral health, including the roots that are not visible to the eye, which can be crucial to providing proper care.
What Happens During Dental Cleanings?
Professional dental cleaning involves your dentist or dental hygienist using specialized tools to reach areas of your mouth that a toothbrush or dental floss simply can’t. They can remove plaque and tartar that, if left behind, will eventually cause gum disease and tooth decay. Twice-yearly dental cleanings provide you with a brighter, healthier smile.
Why Should I Look into Having a Dental Exam Near Me Every Six Months?
There are a few reasons why regular dental care is crucial to maintaining your oral health. Perhaps the biggest reason is that you simply can’t keep your teeth as clean and healthy as they need to be on your own.
Tartar and plaque build-up in areas of your mouth that are unreachable by brushing and flossing, and if they remain in your mouth, they can eventually cause gum disease and tooth decay. A simple dental cleaning can easily remove that plaque and tartar and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Another major reason why you should go for a routine exam and cleaning every six months is that your dentist will be able to catch developing issues in your mouth well before they’ve had a chance to make themselves known to you.
Preventive dental care helps to reduce the likelihood of significant discomfort or the need for more extensive dental procedures to handle your oral health concerns.
Dental Exam Near Me
If you’re looking to have a routine exam and cleaning, Albion Family Dental can help. Contact us today and schedule your appointment. Give us a call at 585-589-9044.
Sources:
[1] https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dental-visits/how-often-should-you-go-to-the-dentist
[2] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html