What you need to know about a Dental Examination.

Dental exams are usually performed by either a Dentist or a Dental Hygienist, or both, and during this process, your teeth would be cleaned, and also checked for cavities and gum diseases.

Dental Examination is a check-up of the teeth and the gums, done to prevent dental problems which could become painful and serious if not attended to promptly. The exam also includes evaluating the risk of developing other oral problems like oral cancer and ends with the examination of the face, neck, and mouth for other abnormalities. The dentist would also ask questions relating to your diet, dental cleaning history, and oral hygiene as a whole. Questions relating to proper brushing and flossing techniques amongst other factors would be discussed, as well as possible cosmetic improvements that your teeth might benefit from.

Expectations during a Dental Examination.

After a thorough inspection of the mouth, tongue, and teeth, the dentist can also order a set of dental X-rays. These X-rays help to detect decay and other areas of disturbance not obvious on routine surface examination. For instance, any decay between the teeth or around an old filling may be hard to spot without X-rays. The X-rays also help the dentist identify signs of gum disease, oral cancers, and other health problems of the tongue and the mouth. It also detects problems with jaw alignment, and also check if bites are correct or not. That is, over-bites and under-bites.

Benefits of Dental Cleaning

Teeth cleaning, is recommended to be done at least twice a year (every six months) for adequate oral hygiene. For Dental Examinations and Cleanings in Hamilton, Ontario, book an appointment with a Dentist in Hamilton, as the benefits are enormous. Below are five of such benefits:

• It brightens your smile: The teeth are polished after built-up stains and plaques are cleaned and removed by the dentist.
• It reduces bad breath: Daily brushing and flossing are good, but beyond that, dental cleaning and treatment assures a healthier mouth and healthier breath.
• Helps to prevent cavity formation: Buildup of plaques in teeth causes tooth decay, and eating away of the protective tooth enamel and eventually leading to cavity formation. However, in addition to daily brushing and flossing, dental cleaning helps to prevent such cavities.
• Tooth loss is prevented: Teeth cleaning with the dental hygienist supplements good oral habits at home and thus prevents tooth loss by eliminating built-up teeth plaques.
• It boosts your overall health: When the teeth are in good condition, it is indicative of the general state of the body, and also after a dental exam, the hygienist counsels on good oral habits that help boost your immunity.

Safety of Dental Exams

Dental exams are safe and have very little risk associated. The cleaning may be uncomfortable but oftentimes are not painful. Dental X-rays are also safe for most people as the dose of radiation is very low. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant women. If you have swollen, bleeding gums or another gum disease, your dentist may want to see you more often. Some adults with gum disease may need to see a dentist three or four times a year.

It’s also perfectly safe for babies to visit the dentist. In short, Babies should have their first dental appointment within six months of getting their first tooth, or by 12 months of age. After that, they should get an exam every six months.

After Dental Examinations, What Next?

While back at home, there’s a need to keep your mouth healthy, by taking good care of your teeth and gums, by practicing good dental habits. This can involve the following:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day using a soft brush, doing this for about two minutes.
• Use fluoride-containing toothpaste as Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and cavities.
• Daily flossing at least once a day. Flossing helps to remove gum damaging plaques.
• You’re advised to replace your toothbrush every three or four months.

Dietary-wise, it’s best to avoid or limit sweets and sugary drinks. If you do eat or drink sweets, brush your teeth soon after. Smokers have more oral health problems than nonsmokers. Hence, it’s best to stop smoking or don’t smoke at all.