Why Regular Dental Cleanings And Exams Are Essential For Preventive Dental Care

A critical part of preventive healthcare is regular dental cleanings and exams. The sanitation and exams are dreaded by many people who fear the prodding, occasional jaw comfort, and strange noises. However, most people believe teeth cleaning is a painless and straightforward procedure.

During a dental exam for adults or children, a pediatric dentist or dental hygienist will perform dental cleanings exams near you to evaluate your risk of developing oral problems by checking your face, neck, and mouth for any abnormalities. Dental exams may also include x-rays or other diagnostic procedures.

Why Regular Dental Cleanings Exams Are Essential

Regular Cleanings & Exams in Houston, TX are essential for children to protect not just their oral health but also their overall health. For example, some indications of systemic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and lupus may initially show up in the mouth. If your pediatric dentist or hygienist observes signs of these conditions, he or she will refer you to your physician. The exam provides your dentist with an opportunity to give you tips on how to care for your teeth and to identify oral problems early when they can be treated successfully.

When to Have Dental Exams

Adults must schedule regular dental exams with their pediatric dentist at appropriate intervals states the American Dental Association. Children must be examined by the pediatric dentist Houston, TX, at least once in six months. Children are prone to the problem of tooth decay and cavities, and when dental cleanings & exams from the pediatric dentist near you are not scheduled, they can be victims of dental caries, which causes a lot of problems. Parents must ensure they do not expose their children to this problem and adhere to the advice of Urbach pediatric dentistry and schedule appointments at intervals, as suggested by the dental facility.

What Happens During Dental Exams & Cleanings?

Teeth cleanings are generally performed by a dental hygienist who will examine the entire mouth of the child before beginning the cleaning process. The dental hygienist uses a tiny mirror to check around the teeth of the child for any signs of gingivitis, inflamed gums, or other potential problems.

If significant problems are detected, the dental hygienist will discuss with the dentist to make sure it is fine to proceed.

Plaque and Tartar Removal

The dental hygienist will use the tiny mirror for guidance along with a scaler to get rid of plaque and tartar around the gum line and between the teeth. Scraping sounds will be heard, which is normal. The extent of the infection in the mouth will determine how long the hygienist needs to scrape a particular spot.

Regular brushing and flossing stop plaque from developing and hardening into tartar. After the plaque hardens to tartar, it can only be removed in a pediatric dentist’s office. Therefore children that detest scraping sounds will do well to begin brushing and flossing regularly without exceptions.

Cleaning with Gritty Toothpaste

After the teeth are free from tartar, the hygienist brushes them with a gritty toothpaste and an electric toothbrush that makes a grinding noise. The sounds are scary, but it is an excellent way to remove any tartar left behind by the scaler.

Flossing Lessons

Whether children are flossing regularly at home or not, the hygienist provides an expert flossing demonstration. He or she gets deep between the child’s teeth to locate any potential trouble spots where bleeding may occur from the gums. The display may seem pointless, but having professional flossing the teeth also removes any leftover plaque or toothpaste from the cleaning process.

Fluoride Treatments

The final step of the dental cleanings & exams process is a fluoride treatment. This treatment acts as a protector for the teeth to help battle against cavities for many months.

Professional dental cleanings & exams must be scheduled once every six months, while x-rays are generally done once a year. However, depending on what your dentist or dental hygienist observes in the mouth, they may perform additional exams like taking dental impressions of both jaws to develop a replica of the teeth and oral tissues. The impressions can help the pediatric dentist or hygienist evaluate the bite of the child or make mouth guards or bleaching trays.

After completing the process, dental professionals will discuss the oral health of the child, including the risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, or other oral health problems. Preventive measures will be suggested to improve and protect the oral health of the child.