The most effective strategy for ensuring long-term dental health is addressing minor issues before they become major problems. A strong at-home dental care routine plays a huge role in achieving this. Equally vital are regular dental exams.
The Preventative Value of Regular Dental Exams
As a general rule, we should all schedule at least two dental visits annually, to not only have our teeth professionally cleaned but also to allow a dentist to identify and quickly and painlessly address minor issues before they develop into serious problems like gum disease or tooth decay.
It is important to note that these exams are beneficial not only to dental health but to general health as well, as ensuring the health of your teeth and gums can help to prevent possible infections that can spread to other parts of the body. Additionally, these exams allow a dentist to monitor the health of the bones and muscles in a person’s jaw, and check for signs of more serious issues like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome and oral cancers.
What to Expect From a Routine Dental Exam
Here is an idea of what to expect during a routine dental exam:
- A full head and neck examination to ensure that your jaw and lymph nodes are healthy.
- X-rays of your mouth give your dentist a comprehensive picture of the health of your teeth, gums and jawbone.
- A check of the inside of your mouth for cavities, cracked teeth, loose or broken fillings and early signs of gum disease or oral cancer.
- A full teeth cleaning, using special tools to remove plaque and tartar from your gums and around your teeth.
- A post-cleaning consultation, during which your dentist will discuss with you any potential issues, suggest any necessary corrective treatments and identify possible improvements to your at-home dental care routine.
Routine Dental Exams and Teeth Cleanings in Warners Bay
If you are in the Warners Bay, NSW area and would like to schedule your next dental exam and teeth cleaning, the team at SmilesHQ is available to arrange an appointment.