The Importance of Dental Exams

If you own a car, you know it’s important to get it serviced. At regular intervals, you should change the oil, rotate the tires, check the brakes, and make sure everything is working properly.

If you follow these principles, your car will generally stay in good working order. If you neglect these items, your car will be fine for a while — maybe even a long while — but eventually, something will break down, and you’ll be saddled with an expensive repair bill.

The same principle applies to your teeth. If you get regular dental exams, your teeth will be just fine. If you make a habit of missing your exams, though, you could end up with major oral health issues.

A twice-a-year dental exam usually consists of a thorough examination of your mouth to look for any potential issues, along with a professional cleaning of your teeth. Sometimes, your dentist will also take X-rays to look for potential problems.

Here’s why these kinds of dental exams are important, courtesy of the team at Portrait Dental.

Dental exams help prevent gum disease and tooth decay 

The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth two times a day for at least two minutes. You should floss every day as well, but even if you follow these guidelines to the letter, you still need professional cleanings. Your dentist’s team uses specialized, professional tools that do a more thorough job of cleaning your teeth than your brush.

If plaque and bacteria are allowed to build up without being cleaned off, they will begin to cause tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease, which can eventually lead to tooth loss, if left untreated.

Dental exams keep your smile bright

If the enamel on your teeth has begun to wear away, or if you often eat and drink foods and liquids that stain your teeth, the bright, dazzling smile you used to know may have been replaced with a dull, dingy look.

A high-powered polisher can remove stains and shine your teeth, plus your dentist may consider whitening your teeth for a more beautiful smile.

Dental exams protect your overall health

Periodontal (gum) disease has been linked to several health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. Visiting your dentist doesn’t just give you cleaner teeth — it just may lengthen your life.

Dental exams catch problems early

If you’re going to the dentist regularly, they will immediately be able to spot any potential issues that have developed since your last visit. If you wait several years between visits, problems such as gum disease or oral cancer may have progressed to a point that those issues will be painful, time-consuming, and expensive to fix. You can head these problems off early by going to the dentist twice a year.

If you’re due for a dental exam visit, contact Portrait Dental today to schedule your next appointment. You can call the office, or use our convenient online scheduling tool to book your own appointment. We can’t wait to see you in our office!