Routine dental exams are integral to achieving and maintaining a healthy smile and avoiding serious oral health concerns. Even individuals who brush and floss daily are likely to develop dental concerns and issues that are not visible to them without a professional dental assessment. Booking a dental exam near you can provide the important assessment, cleaning, and guidance you need to achieve and maintain your oral health.
Understanding the signs that you need a dental exam helps you stay proactive about your oral care.
Common Signs You Need a Dental Exam
Knowing when to call the dentist near you is important for personal oral care because it can save you money and time on more expensive and complicated treatment later. Common signs you need to get to the dentist include:
- Chronic bad breath: If brushing and flossing aren’t working, this can signal gum disease or dental decay.
- Bleeding gums: If you notice blood in your mouth when brushing or flossing your teeth, please note that it could be a sign of inflammation that requires dental treatment.
- Pain, sensitivity, or discomfort: Pain when you are eating or sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods is usually a sign that you need to schedule a dental exam with a dentist.
- Loose or shifting teeth: Something like loose teeth or shifting teeth can often be a sign of serious periodontal disease or a more complicated disease process affecting your oral health.
Although these signs can be common to see or experience, if you don’t recognize them until it is too late, this can require significant attention from your dentist.
The Importance of Routine Dental Exams
Routine dental exams are much more than just cleaning your teeth. Dentists perform exams to see if cavities or gum disease and oral cancer, or other conditions exist or are visible. Further, keeping routine dental exams is key to preventing serious problems and maintaining your health in general.
The importance of dental checkups includes:
- Finding problems sooner, when they are easier to treat
- Keeping your teeth and gums healthy
- Preventing costly treatments later
- Advising you on brushing, flossing and diet
Yearly checkups are opportunities for your dentist to develop a customized dental plan suitable for you.
How Often Should You Have a Dental Exam?
The majority of individuals should plan to visit a dentist every six months. However, if you have:
- A record of cavities or gum infection
- Ongoing health problems (diabetes, etc.)
- Orthodontic appliances or restorations
- Smoking increases the risk of oral health problems
Having routine visits will allow for any potential issues to be addressed in a timely manner and keep your smile healthy for years to come.
Preparing for Your Dental Exam
To help your appointment go smoothly, it is suggested to:
- Keep track of any discomfort, soreness, or changes in your teeth or gums.
- Make a list of the drugs you are taking.
- Make a list of questions about your nutrition, oral hygiene, or how you want to look.
- Keep brushing and flossing every day until your appointment.
By being slightly prepared, you can allow your dentist to assist you more effectively.
Keep Your Smile Healthy
Dental health examinations support the maintenance of your oral health while assisting with the prevention of future long-term issues. The more you can identify the signs of when to have your teeth evaluated, the more you can stay ahead of the issues and provide yourself with some peace of mind that your teeth and gums are strong and healthy for a longer period of time. Piper Creek Dental Choice has a friendly team who will perform thorough evaluations, deliver professional cleanings, and provide recommendations to maintain your smile. Visit us today to schedule your dental health examination and begin your path to a healthier, brighter smile.
