Regular Dental Checkup

Why are dental checkups important?

A dental exam by a skilled dentist is necessary to identify oral health issues that may go unnoticed. Dental checkups offer screenings for oral cancer, digital X-rays, and provide teeth cleanings to remove plaque, bacteria, and other deposits that brushing and flossing may not eliminate.

Early intervention is crucial to fight against gum disease, which is the primary cause of tooth loss. If left untreated, both teeth and their supporting bone can become damaged. During your dental exam, the hygienist gauges gum “pockets” around teeth with a small ruler, revealing hard-to-reach spots. X-rays are utilized to identify any areas of bone recession. This assessment helps detect and address gum disease at its earliest stages, promoting effective treatment and preservation of your oral health.

How often should you get dental checkups?

Ideally, dental checkups are performed every six months. On your first visit to the dentist, they will ask for a full health history to gain an understanding of your past and current health. From there, regular dental checkups will be used to determine any change in your oral health and keep your teeth and mouth in good shape or maintained appropriately.

The American Dental Association, and the team at Bloom Dental, recommend six months because the maintenance and cleaning provided at each visit is the best way to ensure you maintain healthy teeth and gums.

As long as your mouth is free of gum disease and heavy buildup, six months is about the average length of time for tartar and stain to accumulate to the point of needing another teeth cleaning. For individuals with a history of periodontitis, those maintenance visits may need to be as frequent as every 3-4 months.

What are the signs of oral cancer?

Mouth cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, and throat, as well as the salivary glands, pharynx, larynx, and sinuses. Because early detection is critical to overcoming the disease, make an appointment with your doctor if any of the following occur:

• Sore, swelling, lumps, or thick patches in or around your mouth
• The feeling of a lump or object in your throat
• Numbness or pain anywhere in your mouth
• Loose teeth with no dental cause
• Lingering sore throat or hoarseness
• Areas of red or white lesions in your mouth or lips
• Trouble moving your jaw, swallowing, or speaking
• Pain in your ear without loss of hearing

Over half of those in the U.S. survive oral cancer after five years, according to the National Institute of Dental Craniofacial Research, but it is critical it is caught early.

Why are brushing and flossing important?

We all know brushing and flossing make our mouth feel great. But, brushing and flossing do more than freshen breath – they physically disrupt the complex network of bacteria called a biofilm. It’s important to disrupt and remove the sticky film so diseases like cavities and gum disease are less likely to happen. There are a lot of products on the market that claim they are the best. Make sure to talk about the options with your hygienist to get the best recommendation.

And as you know, it is important to brush twice a day for at least two minutes, and floss once. If you have a hard time remembering to floss, connect it with a daily activity you always do. You can floss in the shower or while driving to work!

What are other preventative dental care strategies?

Besides having your teeth cleaned and stains polished off, our comfortable dental cleaning also provides other preventative services, such as:

Dental Sealants — Deep grooves and pits in your back teeth are at a higher risk of cavities. Placing a protective sealant over these surfaces makes them easier to clean and lowers your chances of developing tooth decay.

Fluoride Treatment — Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, fights sensitivity, and reverses the earliest stage of tooth decay (demineralization). Dental insurance typically covers fluoride treatments for children, but our adult patients can take advantage of the service for only $29.

Oral Cancer Screenings — This deadly disease is linked to viruses like HPV, sun exposure, and tobacco/alcohol use. Early screening could save your life. We complete a cancer exam as part of every checkup appointment.

Diagnostic X-rays — Intermittent X-rays allow us to identify new areas of decay or bone loss around your teeth so that we can treat them in the least invasive manner before they become worse.