How Often Should I Have a Dental Exam and Cleaning?

Brushing twice a day, flossing at least once helps fight against tooth decay and gum disease. However, do you assume that your oral hygiene routine can keep you away from dental infections? Visiting your dentist for a dental exam and cleaning near you helps prevent issues like cavities, gum disease, and other oral problems you might not realize are affecting you.

The dentist in 77074 recommends that you visit them at least once a year, if not twice, to receive a routine exam and cleaning. The American Dental Association also makes a similar recommendation. In addition, if you have a history of gum disease, the 77074 dentist suggests you get your teeth cleaned more often to prevent a recurrence of the infection.

How many visits you need to your dentist for cleanings and exams depends on your specific needs and dental health. Therefore you help yourself by inquiring with your dentist about their recommendations for you.

The Importance of Dental Exam and Cleaning

Cleanings are not merely to help you maintain a bright and happy smile. When you keep regular appointments with your dentist for an exam, the practice can help prevent various problems and are essential for the upkeep of your oral health.

Regular exams with your dentist can indicate whether you have cavities, chipped or broken teeth, tooth decay, and gum disease. Maintaining the visits consistently for exams can potentially reveal more severe problems such as oral cancers, tumors, and other conditions not visible to the naked eye but detected by dentists using 3D imaging.

You can expect to reap the benefits of dental exams if you see the same dentist during every visit. When you have a dentist who understands your history, they can identify issues in your mouth quickly.

Why Are Dental Exams and Cleanings Essential?

You might dread the text message you receive from your dentist about your recommended dental exams and cleanings according to your schedule. However, the exams are to identify any issues that may have developed after your last visit, and the routine cleanings help keep your teeth clean, your gums healthy, and your mouth in prime condition.

During your dental exam, expect the dentist to review your medical history. Keep the dentist updated about any new medications you take or any concerns you have in your mind. The information is essential for your dentist because it helps them determine whether any additional requirements need addressing during your appointment. It also helps the professional determine dental cleaning frequencies for the year they must recommend.

Expect to undergo a physical exam with X-rays to detect tooth decay, tumors, bone loss, root positions, and other severe issues. The dentist physically examines your mouth after reviewing your x-rays. The exam entails a visual exam looking for signs of tooth decay and a facial exam besides your tongue, throat, lips, and gums screening for oral cancer and gum disease. After completing your dental exam, the dentist allows the dental hygienist to take over for the dental cleaning.

The cleaning procedure is pretty straightforward for the removal of plaque and tartar deposits on your teeth with unique dental instruments. Tartar is hardened plaque non-removable by brushing and flossing. Unfortunately, it is also the leading cause of gum disease and requires professional removal to prevent the dastardly infection. After the hygienist completes plaque and tartar removal, they brush your teeth with gritty toothpaste and an electric toothbrush. You might not like the sounds of the brushing, but it is an excellent technique to remove excess plaque from between your teeth and polish the tooth structure to ensure you have a bright smile.

You also receive a flossing demonstration from the hygienist to remove excess debris. Finally, the hygienist provides a fluoride treatment to help you battle against cavities for several months.

After your teeth receive a skillful exam and cleaning, the dentist performs another physical exam. The final checkup ensures your teeth are clean and smooth and your overall dental health is in the best condition possible.

Whether you follow excellent dental hygiene regimens and are diligent with your oral health, you must incorporate six-monthly visits to Mi Casa Dental – Houston, TX, to receive your dental exam and cleaning as a preventive measure that helps combat infections and conditions in your mouth. Consider the appointments as a safety feature in your oral hygiene regimen that you mustn’t overlook.