8 Benefits of Dental Exams and Cleanings

Many people with good oral health always wonder why they have to visit their dentist regularly. The truth is that regular dental check-ups and cleanings are incredibly important. Even if you don’t have an existing oral problem such as cavities or gum disease, dental exams and cleanings can help you maintain good oral health.

A dental exam and cleaning session is a very standard procedure. Your dentist checks your mouth, teeth, gums, bone, and other oral structures for diseases such as cavities, oral cancer, and gum disease. The dentist may also need to take x-rays of your mouth to review your oral condition closely. Oral cancer screenings are also performed at least once a year to check for signs of oral cancer.

After the exam, the dentist takes time to clean and floss your mouth to remove plaque, bacteria, and tartar buildup. Your teeth are then polished to give you a shiny and brighter smile. If there are deep stains, the dentist can also perform teeth whitening to brighten your smile.

Why are Dental Exams and Cleanings Important?

For your optimal oral health, dental exams and cleanings are a must. Why? Here are eight reasons why dental exams and cleanings are beneficial.

1. Prevents cavities, gum disease, and other oral structures

One of the key reasons to visit a dental office for an exam and cleaning is preventive dentistry. It’s much easier and cost-effective to get a cleaning than a root canal or a dental crown. Even with good at-home dental hygiene, food particles and plaque can still build up on your teeth, especially the back teeth.

Eventually, the buildup mineralizes on the teeth to form tartar, a hard brown deposit that firmly adheres to the teeth and can’t be removed with normal brushing or flossing. If not eliminated timely, it causes cavities and gum disease.

During a dental cleaning procedure, the dentist will clean your mouth and remove any plaque or tartar buildup. This lessens your risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other oral conditions.

2. Early detection of dental problems

During a dental exam, your dentist checks your mouth for signs of dental problems such as oral cancer, gum disease, and cavities. It’s easier for a dentist to notice anything unusual in your oral structures, something you can’t do. If dental problems are detected in their early stages, they are easy to treat.

The same conditions can cause severe discomforts or symptoms if they progress to more serious stages. For instance, if gum disease isn’t treated timely, it progresses to periodontal disease, which is irreversible. Oral cancer is also treatable when detected and addressed timely.

3. To treat and manage dental problems

Dental problems such as cavities can lead to devastating effects on your teeth, gums, and bones. If not addressed timely, these conditions can cause severe discomfort, lead to teeth loss, or even cause death. If you have an existing oral condition, it’s important that you see a dentist regularly for treatment.

4. Improves your oral hygiene and health

By addressing existing oral conditions, your oral health is greatly improved. Furthermore, dental cleanings eliminate any plaque and bacteria buildup, reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease. This keeps your teeth and mouth healthy.

5. Promotes your overall health

If you didn’t know, the health of your mouth could have a profound impact on your general health. Poor dental hygiene and health are closely associated with a higher risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. For instance, a tooth infection can cause serious health complications. By visiting your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings, your overall well-being is protected.

6. Brightens your smile

During dental cleanings, your dentist removes tartar deposits from the teeth, making your teeth brighter. The dentist also polishes the teeth and may perform teeth whitening if you have deep stains.

7. Repair or replace a dental restoration

During routine dental exams and cleanings, the dentist will check your restorations for wear or damage. It’s crucial that the dentist repairs or replaces the restoration to ensure maximum protection.

8. Saves money

Getting a dental exam or cleaning isn’t as expensive as addressing dental problems. In fact, some insurance plans can cover your dental check-ups and cleanings. By keeping your mouth healthy, the need for costly and complex treatment is eliminated. You won’t need treatments such as root canal, dental implants, veneers, or fillings.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Dental exams and professional cleanings are essential for your oral and general health. For dental exams and cleaning services near you, contact Claremont Dental Group today to book your appointment.