Why Dental Exams and Cleanings Are Necessary

Regular dental exams and cleanings are an essential part of preventive health care. With dental checkups and cleanings, the dentist can detect dental problems and initiate treatment. We recommend visiting a dentist near you biannually for a comprehensive dental exam. Routine dental checkups offer great benefits, such as:

1. Prevention of Cavities

Tooth decay attacks the enamel and is mostly caused by poor dental hygiene. It is difficult to know if you have tooth decay because there is no pain in the beginning. Tooth decay starts small and slowly becomes bigger if left untreated. With dental exams in Fulshear, we can detect tooth decay early.

Plaque, a is a sticky substance, is the primary cause of tooth decay. Plaque forms every day from the food we consume but can be removed with regular brushing. However, with poor hygiene, the plaque will build up and solidify into tartar, which slowly erodes the enamel. Enamel erosion weakens the teeth and increases the risk of decay. Fortunately, routine dental cleaning prevents tartar from eroding your teeth or cavity formation.

2. Prevention of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. Tartar and plaque can also erode your mouth’s gum tissues. You may develop an infection when tartar and plaque extend below the gum line. If left unchecked, gingivitis can cause your gums to separate from the teeth.

Furthermore, gingivitis causes bone loss and soft tissue injuries making the teeth weaker and unstable. If the infection progresses, you may eventually lose your tooth or need our dentist to remove it.

During regular visits at Smile Bright Dental Studio, we diagnose and treat gum disease before it gets out of hand. Don’t miss your next appointment.

3. Early Oral Cancer Detection

Oral cancer is the abnormal growth of the cells in the mouth and throat and can be life-threatening if untreated.

During your routine dental exam, our dentist in Fulshear, TX, will perform both a visual and physical exam to check the mouth, cheeks, lips, and throat for any abnormal growth. If lesions are detected, the dentist may recommend a biopsy for proper diagnosis. Early detection and treatment are crucial to surviving oral cancer.

4. Keeping bad habits in check

Bad habits such as chewing ice, eating sugary foods, biting nails, smoking, and tooth grinding can have adverse effects on your oral health. These habits can cause the teeth to wear down or even chip and crack. Our dentist can check any oral damage caused by these habits. Additionally, we will advise on the best practices for your teeth.

5. Good Breath

Bad breath can be embarrassing. Gum disease and cavities can be a cause of bad breath. Good oral hygiene and regular dental cleaning can reduce mouth odor. We clean up the tartar and plaque left behind during daily brushing and flossing.

Process of Dental Exam and Cleaning

• Physical exam. Our dentist uses a small mirror to check your mouth for signs of inflamed gums or potential concerns.
• Removing tartar and plaque. The dentist will use a scalar to clean plaque and tartar around the gum line and between the teeth.
• Professional brushing. A dental hygienist will brush your teeth with a high powered electric brush and toothpaste to deep clean and remove tartar remains.
• Expert flossing is also done to get rid of plaque or toothpaste left over by the electric brush.
• Next, your teeth and gums are rinsed to get rid of debris.
• Fluoride treatment is done to strengthen the enamel. The dentist will apply a foam, gel, or varnish on the teeth and leave it on your teeth for a minute. Fluoride also helps in the reabsorption of lost minerals (calcium and phosphate) and reverse mild dental cavities.

After the dental exam and cleaning, our dentist may recommend further treatment such as dental sealants, root canal, and teeth whitening if you have severe discoloration. For more information about dental exams and cleaning, contact a dentist near Katy, TX, or visit Smile Bright Dental Studio.