Dental health affects your smile, ability to chew, and overall health. A dental exam helps improve your teeth and gum health and can help you catch problems like decay. Here is what to expect during a dental exam:
The Why and When
A dental exam and professional cleaning are the main ways to care for your oral health. Mouths can carry bacteria, and even routine brushing and flossing misses some buildup. Bacteria grows beneath your gums, in between gums and teeth, and on the surface of your mouth.
As bacteria accumulate over time, they create a film of plaque on the teeth and in tight or hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. When plaque continues to build up, it hardens and becomes tartar. Areas with excessive buildup can cause gingivitis and tooth decay, leading to gum disease, cavities, and other oral health conditions. Dentists recommend two professional cleanings and exams per year to prevent these issues.
The Cleaning and Polishing
Before a dentist can examine you, a hygienist will clean your teeth and gums to help remove plaque and prepare your mouth for the exam. They may do X-rays for the dentist to check your enamel, and then the hygienist will start cleaning. The hygienist reclines your chair for a better angle to clean your teeth. There are several steps to cleaning and checking your teeth and gums. The hygienist will check your mouth for any signs of tooth decay or infection and begin removing plaque and tartar. After flossing the buildup from between your teeth, the hygienist will polish your teeth with a small rotating brush. Here are a few more steps involved in the cleaning process:
Removal
Plaque and tartar are gently scraped off the backs of your teeth, between each tooth, and from your gum line. This process isn’t painful but may be more sensitive for individuals with inflamed gums or those who do not brush and floss regularly. During this part of the cleaning, your hygienist will check each tooth for any soft spots and ask about problem areas or sensitivity you may have.
Polish
With fluoride gel and a small rotating polishing brush, any remaining buildup is gently buffed off of your enamel. Your hygienist will polish each tooth and rinse them with water. This cleaning process polishes your teeth better than regular toothbrushing.
The Exam
Once your teeth are clean, the dentist will discuss any findings from your X-rays and cleaning. During the exam, the dentist will use a mirror and scraping tool to inspect your teeth, gums, enamel, and any areas of concern shown by the X-rays. The dentist will give you advice on how to have better oral hygiene practices. They will talk about any follow-up procedures that are needed to fix problems like cavities or gingivitis. If no follow-up is needed, you can schedule your next cleaning.
Get a Dental Exam Today
At a dental exam, you will receive a teeth cleaning and screening for conditions like oral cancer, gingivitis, and tooth decay. Good oral health includes daily brushing and flossing and going to the dentist regularly. Schedule an appointment with a dentist today to keep up with your oral health.