Good dental hygiene plays a major role in keeping your teeth clean and healthy. Even when you brush your teeth after every meal, you can miss small amounts of plaque. If these are not properly removed, they can begin to harden into tartar in just 24 hours. During a professional cleaning, your dentist or dental hygienist will use special instruments to remove this formation above and below the gumline. After your teeth are clean, your dentist or dental hygienist will polish them, which can leave the surface smooth and eliminate superficial stains.
Professional cleanings and dental exams are also a great opportunity for you to check in with your dentist. The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist for checkups and professional cleanings at least every six months. Your dentist may recommend a different exam schedule depending on your individual dental health needs. At your appointment, talk to your dentist about any changes in your health, any new medications and discuss any other concerns you may have. Certain health issues and medications can increase your chance of developing dental health complications, such as dry mouth.
At your checkup, your dentist will also take dental X-rays and examine your teeth for symptoms of decay. Any changes in your gum health will be noted, and your dentist will evaluate your smile for any other indication of trouble. Your dentist will also evaluate your head and neck for any abnormalities, check your lymph nodes and examine the soft tissues of your mouth. When your dentist checks your gums, he or she is looking for any inflammation, swelling or recession. If your gums bleed or have pulled away from your teeth, you may have gum disease. When gum disease is diagnosed early, it is highly treatable and even reversible.
Finally, your dentist will check your jaw joints and your bite. TMJ disorders can lead to widespread pain, chronic headaches and decreased function whereas a maloccluded bite can increase your risk of developing tooth grinding or premature wear on teeth. Before your leave, your dentist may make recommendations that include treatment options or ways you can improve your daily dental hygiene to prevent future dental complications.
Professional cleanings and exams are easy to push to the bottom of your to-do list. However, these twice a year visits with your dentist can protect your dental health. When dental complications are diagnosed early, the treatment options are often far more conservative.
Author Resource:
Dr. Ariz dentist in Northridge , offers comprehensive dental exam and cleaning to his patients. To learn more about the purpose of dental exams, visit our website.
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