General Dentistry: The Importance of Dental Exams

Dentistry is dedicated to helping patients stay healthy and keep their smiles beautiful. One way dentists do so is with regular dental exams.

During dental exams, dentists take X-rays to ensure everything is fine inside their patients' teeth. They also do a visual exam where they look into patients' mouths.

Finally, dentists clean teeth by scraping off plaque, flossing between teeth, and polishing each tooth. The result is a fresh-feeling mouth and plans to address any issues the dentist spotted.

The whole process can take up to an hour, and some people find it uncomfortable. If you are one of these individuals, you may wonder if dental exams are necessary if you practice good oral hygiene. The truth is, dental exams are essential for oral health.

Dentists can spot problems early

Part of dentistry is taking care of issues before they become life-changing. Many oral problems are not noticeable at first, and people untrained in spotting them may not realize there is a problem until it negatively affects their lives. That is why dentists thoroughly examine every part of the mouth.

Plaque buildup

Plaque is a yellowish film that coats teeth. It contains bacteria from food, drinks, eating utensils, and anything else that comes into contact with your mouth. This bacteria eats away at teeth, causing decay and cavities.

Gum disease

When bacteria grow in your mouth, they can attack the gums. When this happens, your gums may become swollen and tender and even bleed when you brush. In the worst cases, the disease can spread to your jaw bone, which requires surgery to fix.

Mouth cancer

If you smoke or chew tobacco, you are at risk of developing mouth cancer. Your dentist can detect early signs, ensuring you get quick and effective treatment.

Dental exams clean every part of your teeth

Most patients do their best to take care of their teeth:

• Brushing twice a day
• Flossing once a day
• Using mouthwash once a day

Good oral hygiene is crucial for keeping your teeth free of bacteria and decay. However, even the most attentive patients may have trouble reaching certain parts of their mouths. These are the areas where plaque can build up and cause issues.

During dental exams, dentists clean molars, where it is hard to fit brushes, and the back of teeth, where it is hard to see if you have done a good job. Dentists have special tools that scrape away hardened plaque that brushes cannot eliminate and mirrors to help them see every angle of a tooth.