Regular visits to the dentist are part of staying healthy. According to the CDC, everyone should visit the dentist at least once a year to maintain a healthy mouth and strong teeth. It might be tempting to skip a dentist appointment now and then, but the importance of dental exams should outweigh that temptation. Since your oral health is connected to your overall well-being, oral health issues like gum disease or tooth decay can cause further complications. Preventative care, general dentistry, and early intervention can help keep you healthy.
What Is a Dental Exam?
During a dental exam, your hygienist or dentist cleans your teeth while checking for cavities or other oral health issues. The importance of dental exams cannot be overstated. Even though you likely practice good oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing at home, plaque can build up in hard-to-reach places and cause problems. The deep cleaning done by your dentist or hygienist removes tartar, which is plaque that has built up and hardened. While in the dentist’s office, you’ll also have a chance to ask questions about your oral health and receive advice on how to care for your teeth properly.
Preventative care is key to avoiding health problems down the line. When left untreated, oral health problems like tooth decay or gum disease can cause infections, tooth loss, and even cardiovascular issues. However, regular dental exams can catch these problems early. An experienced dentist like our team at Columbia Smiles will treat and prevent a number of oral health issues.
The Importance of Dental Exams
These exams are a chance for your dentist to check for oral health issues. Some of those issues might include the following:
- Tooth decay
- Gum or bone disease
- Problems with your bite or jaw
- Need for tooth restoration or replacement
- Cavities
- Oral cancer
Your dentist might also use an X-ray to see detailed images of your teeth to check for problems that are not immediately visible. Impacted wisdom teeth or issues requiring a root canal might only be detected through X-rays. Even though some oral health problems might not cause pain or discomfort, infections and other issues can cause complications later on.
Regular cleanings and exams can even save you money. Gum disease and tooth decay can cause problems that require root canals or other expensive procedures. But by catching them early, you can avoid complicated treatments by specialists and get back on the road to a healthy smile.
However, the importance of dental exams isn’t just about oral health complications. During your dental exam, your dentist can also discuss cosmetic procedures with you to give you the smile you want. Regular cleanings will help keep your teeth bright. But if you are looking for straighter or whiter teeth, your dentist can advise you on your options. Professional whitening, porcelain veneers, and bonding are all options for creating a beautiful smile.
Dental Exams at Columbia Smiles
At Columbia Smiles, we understand the importance of dental exams. At our practice, we’re committed to providing a comfortable dental experience. We know that some people find dentist appointments to be anxiety-inducing. That’s why every part of our practice, from our friendly front office staff to our caring hygienists, is designed with you in mind.
Some of the services we offer include the following:
- Dental Crowns and Bridges
- Laser Dental Procedures
- Dental Implants
- Dental Trauma Treatment
- Teeth Whitening
- Dental Veneers
No matter your oral health needs, we can provide competent care in a welcoming environment. Contact us today and find out why Howard County residents have trusted Columbia Smiles for 35 years. Reach out at 410.690.4855 to schedule an appointment today.
