Dental Examination and Dental Cleaning: Why it’s Important to Do It at least Once a Year

The yearly dentist visit, likely not an appointment you particularly look forward to, but one that is very important nonetheless. Undergoing a dental examination at least once a year, if not every six months, is key to ensuring your teeth and gums are healthy. Routine checkups and cleanings can prevent cavities, diseases and other oral health problems. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t skip your next dental examination.

Dental Examination And Cleaning For Good Oral Health

Did you know that cavities and gum disease are infectious disease, contagious disease?

Even the most enthusiastic brushers and flossers may still suffer from tartar and plaque buildup. For example, plaque can build up in those hard-to-reach places. Once it solidifies, it becomes quite difficult to get rid of. And plaque turns into tartar, which can erode dental bone around the teeth and cause a lot of problems. Furthermore, if left untreated plaque can lead to gum disease. On top of removing plaque and tartar, a routine dental examination includes polishing and flossing.

Additionally, regular dental examinations can help prevent cavities. Cavities usually occur without warning signs. And once you have a cavity, you need to go back to your dentist to have it filled. Typically, this costs more than a routine visit, so we recommend visiting your dentist regularly to avoid this type of situation.

Dental Examinations Help Detect Oral Cancer

Mouth cancer or oral cancer can be defined as the abnormal growth and spread of cells in the mouth. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are important because they can detect any abnormal growths early on. Catching the disease in the early stages is key to treating it successfully. Dentists are trained to spot any signs of oral cancer so regular dental examinations are important.

Dental Examinations Can Prevent Gingivitis And Gum Disease

Once again plaque buildup can cause your gums to swell and bleed during brushing. This is known as gingivitis. In the early stages of gingivitis, gums may be irritated but teeth are still firmly planted in their roots. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can turn into gum disease. As the disease progresses, bone and connective tissues that hold teeth in place start to break down. Eventually, teeth become loose and fall out. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Plaque removal is a regular part of a dental examination and cleaning, and thus helps prevent gingivitis.  

X-rays will Help Detect Otherwise “invisible” Problems

X-rays are an important part of the dental examination. While most dentists will not take X-rays at every checkup, regular X-rays should be taken. X-rays help dentists see what is happening beneath the surface and spot any issues or problems. For example, an X-ray will help see impacted teeth, which are teeth that are growing but cannot push through the gum line. This is quite common with wisdom teeth and these teeth often need to be surgically removed. X-rays also help detect damage to the jaw, cysts, tumours and so on. Detecting these issues early can help treat them successfully.

Routine dental examinations and cleanings are crucial to maintaining good oral health. And good oral health is a key part of your overall health. Make an appointment today at the clinique dentaire Fortin Poirier and trust your teeth and gums to their expert team.