How Often Should You Get Dental Exams and Cleanings?

Brushing and flossing are crucial in maintaining good oral health, dental exams, and cleanings. Why? You can brush and floss your teeth frequently, but when tartar and plaque have already formed, it can be challenging to get rid of them that way. This is where going for a dental exam and cleaning near you is essential. The dental professional will perform a thorough cleaning to remove the plaque and tartar, examine your gums and teeth and recommend the most suitable treatment if you have any oral problems.

However, one question arises when dental exams and cleaning are raised. Many want to know how often you should go for dental exams and cleanings. Below, you will get the answer to this question and more about dental exams.

What Happens During Dental Cleaning?

Dental cleaning takes around 1 hour, but the duration may differ depending on the severity of tartar and plaque on your teeth surface. After visiting the dentist near you for cleaning, they will first remove plaque and tartar through scaling. This is through special equipment that can remove the hard plaque and tartar from your teeth’s surface.

The dentist then rinses your teeth. Polishing is then done through a rotating head that contains a dental paste. This paste gives your teeth a shiny look. Fluoride treatment is also performed to prevent cavities. The fluoride may be in a varnish, gel, or paste form.

Once the dentist is done with dental cleaning, they may discuss ways of keeping your gums and teeth healthy and free of plaque and tartar, known to cause gum disease.

What Happens During a Dental Exam?

The good thing about routine dental checkups is that some dental clinics provide free dental exams and cleaning. This means you should schedule an appointment regularly.

During your first appointment with the dentist, they will inquire about your medical history. Your medical history provides insight into any treatment, medication, or medical conditions you might have. This step is usually for new patients.

Next, the dentist examines your teeth, jaw, and gums. A metal probe with an angled mirror is used to see between and behind your teeth. The probe also helps the dentist identify signs of cavities like softened dentin and enamel.

Furthermore, during the dental exam, the dentist in Chester Springs, PA, can look for gum problems like redness, sores, or swelling. Measuring the periodontal pockets is also done during a dental exam. If the periodontal pockets are deeper than 3 millimeters, this may indicate gum disease.

During the dental exam, the dentist can also check for early signs of mouth cancer. Warning signs include sores, lesions, blocked salivary glands, and unexplained bleeding.

X-ray images of your teeth and gums are also taken during a dental exam. These images are essential in checking for gum infections, tooth roots, and jaw problems. It is hard for the dentist to detect any issues beneath the surface of your gums and teeth, but fortunately, x-ray images help detect oral issues before they lead to tooth loss and gum infection.

How Often Should I Go for Dental Checkup?

Now that you know what to expect during dental cleaning and exams, how often should you visit a dentist in Chester Springs, PA, for a routine checkup? The American Dental Association recommends that people go for dental cleaning and exam at least once every six months. Some patients might need to go more frequently, which depends on their oral health.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Exams and Cleanings?

• Early detection of oral problems.
• Helps in the management and treatment of dental problems.
• Improves your oral health and hygiene.
• Brightens your smile.
• Saves money in the long run.
• Promotes your overall health.
• Promotes healthy habits as the dental professional will teach you how to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
• It gives you peace of mind as you’re not worried about any oral problems arising.

Brushing and flossing are not sufficient to keep oral problems at bay. However, combining healthy oral habits and routine dental cleanings and exams will assure you of a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Don’t hesitate to visit us at Dentist of Chester Springs and begin your journey to a lifetime of a happy smile.