What Is the Importance of Dental Exams and Cleanings?

There are two reasons why people need to see the best dentist in Denver. One is when they need to protect their teeth and gums against problems. The other is seeking treatment when the problems are already there.  

The point of routine dental visits is mainly preventative, meaning your dentist will strive to keep your mouth as healthy as possible to protect the rest of your body from medical conditions. As you know, a connection exists between oral and overall health. Anything wrong with your mouth can affect your body.  

Why Are Dental Exams and Cleanings Necessary?  

Plaque and Tartar Removal

Dental plaque is a sticky biofilm consisting of bacteria. When you eat or drink, bacteria in your mouth will feed on the starches and sugars from your food and beverage, leaving a colorless film that coats your teeth. If you don’t get rid of plaque, it will harden and become tartar. The problem with tartar is that you can’t remove them through brushing and flossing alone.  

Only your dentist has the tools needed to scrape away hardened tartar. What happens if you leave tartar alone? Over time, tartar will destroy your enamel’s structure leading to permanent holes called cavities. Furthermore, tartar irritates your gum tissues leading to inflammation and infection.  

Oral exams are crucial because it allows your dentist to inspect all areas of your teeth, so they’ll know where plaque and tartar have accumulated. During the checkup, your dentist will utilize special tools to eliminate all traces of tartar from your teeth.  

Cavity Detection

Cavity detection refers to identifying and locating cavities (holes or decay) in teeth using diagnostic tools such as dental X-rays, visual inspection, or laser fluorescence. It is a vital part of oral health care for early detection and treatment of tooth decay.  

In an oral exam, your dentist will inspect your teeth for signs of structural damage. In most cases, cavities are easily visible, especially if the holes are significantly large. Another method of checking for cavities is by using an X-ray. Cavities usually look like dark shadows or spots on your teeth. X-rays produce images of your outer and inner teeth, allowing your dentist to find cavities and determine the extent of the damage.  

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Many patients claim they’ve been consistently brushing and flossing their teeth but still have cavities and gum disease. A possible explanation is that they could be using the wrong techniques.  

Even if you brush twice a day, you could still succumb to tooth decay and gum disease if you’re not using the proper toothbrush and the correct technique. Dental checkups allow your dentist to correct your oral care habits at home.  

Some of the things you’ll learn during your consultation are to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth. If you use a toothbrush with hard bristles, you’ll be subjecting your teeth to premature wear.  

Furthermore, you’ll learn the proper strokes when brushing. Dentists highlight the importance of using gentle, circular strokes. Exerting excess force in an attempt to make your teeth cleaner is counterproductive.  

Looking for the Best Dentist in Denver?

Don’t let dental fear compromise your oral health. Central Family Dentistry provides a full range of quality dental services to protect your mouth against oral health problems. We use the latest technology in the field to ensure that every treatment is as pain-free as possible. Contact us to book an appointment.