Many people only think about the dentist when they are in pain or see damage, but that is actually not true. A dentist in Hamilton can see early signs of problems with your mouth and teeth that would include cavities, gum disease, enamel erosion, and many more, even before you begin to have any pain. The sooner these issues are spotted and treated, the less invasive and costly they are to address and the longer a person will have a healthy smile.
How Can Routine Dental Care Protect Your Overall Health?
Your mouth is an important part of your whole body’s health. Some oral infections, diabetes, and heart disease may first show signs in your mouth. This is why the importance of routine dental checkups goes beyond just your teeth and also protects your whole body. By catching early signs of trouble, the dentist is not only preventing oral problems but also potentially finding signs of serious health problems.
What Good Things Come from Regular Dental Visits?
Seeing your dentist routinely establishes favourable outcomes, beyond just a clean smile. The benefits of regular dental exams include:
- Detect cavities and gum disease before they get worse
- Professional cleaning of plaque and tartar buildups
- Oral cancer screening so you can get treated sooner
- Advice for better oral hygiene tailored to you
- Long-term savings by preventing extensive treatment
How Often Should You Have a Dental Exam?
Most people should see the dentist for a checkup twice a year. If you are at a higher risk, your dentist may recommend coming in more regularly when you have:
- A history of cavities
- Gum disease
- Smokers
- Soft enamel
It is important to regularly go to the dentist so that any minor changes in your teeth or gums can be caught before they become bigger problems or cause permanent damage.
Can Dental Exams Save You Money in the Long Run?
Yes, regular dental care usually costs less than treating serious dental problems. For example:
- A small cavity caught early is much less expensive to treat than a root canal and crown when the decay progresses.
- Mild gum inflammation is inexpensive to treat; however, if it progresses untreated, it may become advanced gum disease that mandates surgical procedures, which are expensive.
Many patients have reduced chances of expensive and complex treatment by getting regular checkups.
What Occurs During a Dental Exam?
During a routine dental examination, a dentist may:
- Visually inspect your teeth, gums, and tongue.
- X-ray your mouth for potential hidden problems.
- Clean your teeth professionally – removing any tartar or plaque.
- Screen for oral cancer.
- When your dentist in Hamilton compares notes with you about your oral hygiene habits and any concerns are discussed.
From start to finish, it can be a thorough process, making sure nothing gets overlooked.
Your Healthier Smile Begins with One Visit!
Get reliable routine care for your smile! The friendly team at Centre Mall Dental offers full oral examinations, personalized advice, and gentle care for children and adults in an inviting facility. Contact us today to schedule your oral examination and begin your journey towards a lifetime of smiles!
FAQs
Can routine dental exams aid in bad breath?
Yes. Chronic bad breath is commonly related to plaque and tartar buildup, gum disease, or decay that often cannot be seen, all of which will be identified during the tooth cleaning by your hygienist and the oral examination by the dentist during a dental exam.
Are the dental exams for children the same as for adults?
Yes, the dental exams for children typically deal more with growth and development of teeth and prevention of cavities, while dental exams for adults are more focused on gum health and wear.
Is it possible for a dental exam to pick up vitamin deficiencies?
Sometimes, if your dentist notices indications (i.e., bleeding gums, delayed healing, etc.), they could relate to a patient not consuming enough nutrients.
Do dental exams include checking for jaw problems?
Yes, when you visit the dentist, they may also look for signs of teeth grinding, jaw problems, or TMJ issues.
Is it okay to have a dental exam while pregnant?
Absolutely; maintaining a healthy mouth while pregnant is good for the mother and unborn baby. Additionally, preventive procedures are typically safe.