A dental exam provides an opportunity for preventive maintenance of your oral health. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you should have dental cleanings every six months. The Whittier Dental Center also takes X-rays of your mouth every year to check for hidden dental problems not immediately apparent.
The intent of your exam is to help you avoid dental problems that can develop because of poor oral hygiene and other neglect.
To keep your teeth at their best, you need a thorough exam to check your overall oral health.
The Whittier Dental Center team check for:
They also check for deposits on your teeth, make sure previous restorations are still intact, and make sure that your bite isn’t damaging your teeth or causing problems with your jaw joint. A misaligned bite can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. These can lead to deterioration and pain in your jaw joint.
To examine your teeth further, the team uses X-rays to detect underlying problems. These are usually done once a year. However, if you have a history of other dental problems, you might need additional X-rays throughout the year.
In addition to examining the condition of your oral health, your dental hygienist professionally cleans your teeth.
Your dental hygienist scrapes off plaque and tartar from your teeth. If not removed, bacteria can build up, causing gum disease.
They then apply a gritty toothpaste and use a high-speed electric toothbrush to polish your teeth.
The next step involves professionally flossing, going deep between your teeth, removing any excess toothpaste, debris, plaque, or tartar. You then rinse your mouth and make an appointment to come back in six months.
At your dental exam, you have the opportunity to talk with the dental team about your oral health concerns. During the exam, you can learn about preventive measures to keep your oral health strong.
Whether it’s for you or the whole family, call the Whittier Dental Center team today to book your dental exam or use the online scheduling tool.