Most of us know the importance of good oral hygiene, like brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. But if you think that’s all that’s required for a healthy set of teeth and gums, think again. Visiting your Cedar Park dentist on a regular basis for a professional cleaning and a dental exam is crucial in making sure that your oral health is in good standing. While you may be removing much of the daily buildup of food and bacteria by carefully following a dental health routine of your own, you’ll never be able to completely remove all the plaque and tartar. And it’s that plaque and tartar that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Although every dentist office differs to some degree, most dental exams and professional cleanings include the following:
- A general visual examination of your teeth and gums. Your hygienist or dentist will carefully look at the inside of your mouth, checking for any obvious signs of problems with either your teeth or gums.
- A screening for oral cancer. Although the exact method may vary depending on the dentist, nearly every dental professional will check to make sure that there are no signs of oral cancer present inside your mouth.
- Checking the alignment of your bite. You may be surprised to find out that a bite that is out of alignment can cause a variety of problems, from chewing difficulties to headaches. Your dentist will check to make sure that your bite alignment looks normal.
- Measuring gum pocket depths. Although it may not be necessary at every cleaning/exam visit, your hygienist or dentist will periodically check the depths of gum pockets that form around your teeth. This will help him or her determine whether or not you are at risk for forming gum disease.
- Taking X-rays. Again, it may not be needed at every visit, but your dental professionals will take X-rays as needed in order to detect any signs of decay or other problems that are apparent with a visual exam.
- Removal of stains, plaque and tartar. During a professional cleaning, the hygienist or dentist will use special tools to remove the plaque and tartar left behind on your teeth, as well as polishing them.
- Making recommendations. Your hygienist or dentist will also recommend any additional treatments that might be needed, such as fluoride treatments or necessary dental work.
While maintaining a regular oral hygiene routine at home is extremely important, so are regular trips to your dentist for professional cleanings and exams. These two steps combined are the only way to ensure your good oral health now and in the future.
If you’re interested in a dental exam and teeth cleaning from us at Cedar Park Premier Dentistry, call today at (512) 782-0821.
