Normally, your body’s natural defenses and good oral health care can ensure you have healthy gums and teeth. Healthy dental hygiene can reduce joint inflammation, improve fertility, lower the risk of kidney disease, and boost respiratory health. You can prevent gum disease and cavities by brushing and flossing regularly to prevent plaque and tartar buildup in the mouth. Regular dental examinations should be part of your overall strategy for dental care. Dentists recommend that you go for a dental exam Orlando at least every six months or year. A dental examination allows your dentist to ensure your teeth are healthy and detect underlying issues that may later harm your teeth, gums, and jaw.
A dental exam often lasts between 45 minutes to one hour. If an oral problem is identified, your dentist will discuss the matter with you and suggest a treatment plan. Consequently, below are the things you can expect during your dental examination.
Review of dental history
Your dentist will examine your dental history to understand oral health issues that have affected you over the years and the treatments or medications prescribed. Also, your dentist may ask you a few questions, such as the drugs you are using, how you take care of your dental hygiene, and your general lifestyle. Your dentist can rely on your answers to better understand your dental health and help determine the right treatment approach.
Visual examination
During visual inspection, your dentist carefully examines the teeth and gums to identify any signs of oral problems. Early detection of a dental issue enables treatment before the condition worsens. Therefore, treatment becomes relatively less expensive and highly likely to work.
Your dentist may also need to examine different parts of your mouth, including the teeth and jaw, using x-rays. X-rays rely on invisible electromagnetic energy beams to capture and produce detailed structures of your mouth, which makes it easier to unearth hidden dental issues like oral cancer.
During oral cancer screening, your dentist has to examine your different mouth structures, such as your jaw, cheeks, gums, teeth, and the floor and roof of the mouth. Some signs that may indicate oral cancer include red or white sores, bleeding, lumps, pain and tenderness in the oral cavity, and difficulty chewing, grinding, or swallowing.
Digital x-rays expose you to about 80% less radiation than conventional x-rays. As a result, your mouth is less likely to develop issues due to radiation exposure. Moreover, digital radiography produces diagnostic images much more efficiently and cost-effectively.
Cleaning
Your dentist may need to clean your mouth whenever you go for a dental checkup. Cleaning your mouth is essential to allow the removal of plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky film that covers your teeth when bacteria in your mouth mix with sugar or foods rich in sugar. With time, the plaque hardens to form tartar. Plaque and tartar can lead to cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Your dentist may also provide crucial tips to help safeguard your mouth against dental problems.
Contact Orlando Center For Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule a professional dental exam and cleaning.
