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Why Dental Exams Are Important
Posted on April 22nd, 2022
Dental Exams and Dental Cleanings in The Loop
We all know that dental checkups are important for your oral health. They should be scheduled every six months. However, many people put off seeing their dentist for one reason or another, and risk jeopardizing their dental health.
Good oral healthcare is the first defense against serious dental disease, such as tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. At-home dental care is vital to taking care of your smile, but regular exams and teeth cleanings are also extremely important.
During a comprehensive dental exam, your dentist has the opportunity to notice minor issues that could turn into serious problems if left untreated. Additionally, regular checkups give your dentist the chance to keep track of your overall dental health and smile development, which is especially important for children and adolescents whose jaws and teeth are still growing.
How Regular Dental Exams Protect Your Teeth
From oral cancers, to tooth loss, catching dental issues early on can mean the difference between a healthy smile and needing full dental reconstruction down the road. Below you will find a list of reasons why regular dental checkups are so important.
- Clean Teeth & Gums – You might wonder, does a dental exam include a cleaning? The answer is yes, dental exams usually include a professional teeth cleaning after your teeth and gums are carefully inspected. During the cleaning, plaque and tartar that is hard to clean with a toothbrush and floss is removed, and debris that might be stuck under the gum line is cleared away. Then, your teeth are polished and flossed, removing stains and brightening your smile.
Regular cleanings can significantly reduce the risk of developing periodontal disease, which can lead to severe decay, tooth loss, receding gums, bleeding gums, the need for scaling and root planing, etc. - Preventative Care – A dental exam allows your dentist to inspect your mouth for signs of oral cancer, which are difficult to distinguish if you are not looking for them, as well as cavities and gum disease. Additionally, dental X-Rays may be taken if your dentist feels it is necessary, which can pinpoint underlying issues that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
- Education/Advice – A dental checkup provides you with an opportunity to talk to your hygienist about the best methods for taking care of your teeth at home.
- Identifying Jaw or Bite Issues – During a dental visit, if a patient’s jaw is visibly misaligned or other bite issues are discovered, your dentist will be able to recommend a bite guard, orthodontics, or other treatment options.
With just about an hour spent at the dental office every six months, you can actively protect your teeth, gums, and general health. Additionally, when you avoid the dentist and problems do arise, the chances of those problems becoming serious conditions that require extensive treatment plans increases.
The Importance of Identifying Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is a fairly common problem that if left untreated can lead to tooth loss, infection, receding gums, and other issues. Gum disease has also been linked to serious health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and more.
Preventative dental care, like exams and professional teeth cleanings, greatly reduce the chances of developing gum disease because food debris is not left to fester and irritate the gum tissue. During comprehensive exams, food particles that were not able to be removed through brushing and flossing alone will be professionally cleaned away by a hygienist.
Reach Out to Windy City Family Dental for Comprehensive Dental Exams
Dental exams and teeth cleanings help people maintain their oral health. At Windy City Family Dental, we offer preventative dental care because we understand the importance of taking care of your smile before a problem occurs and demands your attention. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our dental office in the Chicago Loop, and allow us to help you achieve optimal dental health.
