Maintaining oral health is integral to overall well-being, as issues in the mouth can affect other bodily systems. While a consistent oral hygiene routine is essential, it may not always suffice, especially given busy and unhealthy lifestyles. Seeking professional dental care through regular exams and cleanings can provide additional preventive measures.
The family dentist in Valley Village, CA is a trained and highly experienced dental specialist who has expertise in offeing professional dental cleanings to improve your oral health.
What is the role of a dental exam?
A dental exam is a physical evaluation of your mouth to detect problems related to your teeth, gums, jaw, and throat. A dental exam can benefit you in several ways that have been discussed below:
- Detects tooth decay and cavities
All the tooth surfaces will be checked for any pits, fissures, or prominent cavities using special dental instruments.
Decay usually forms due to bacterial infiltration and plaque adherence.
- Prevents gum disease or detects it at an early stage
Your dentist will examine your gums to check for any redness, tenderness, or the presence of gingival pockets. These mark the early signs of periodontal disease.
- Detects early signs of oral cancer
Your dentist will check your lips, tongue, inner cheek lining, throat, gums, jaws, neck, and face for signs of any oral cancer.
What is the role of professional dental cleaning in enhancing oral health?
Professional dental cleanings are procedures that help clean your teeth and gums to prevent or eliminate plaque accumulation. Insufficient oral hygiene has been linked to several serious illnesses like diabetes, and heart disease.
Professional dental cleanings are important because:
- Stubborn stains and tooth discoloration can be easily removed leaving you with a brighter smile.
- Getting your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist can prevent gum disease, which leads to early tooth loss.
- Oral cancer can be detected early during routine cleaning, enabling early treatment and management.
- Getting your teeth cleaned can reduce your chances of potentially deadly heart attacks and strokes.
- Early signs of problems such as broken fillings and fractures can be detected.
Regular dental examinations and cleanings by professional specialists are essential for preventing common oral issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. Left untreated, these conditions can significantly impair oral health, affecting both function and appearance. Seek dental care at least once in six months or a year to keep track of your oral health, since it paves the way for your overall general health.