You’ve probably heard that it’s important to visit your dentist every six months — but do you know why? Regular dental checkups are a mainstay of good oral health. Putting them off can do a lot of harm, especially when it comes to avoiding preventable dental problems. A routine dental exam helps you and your dentist stay on top of your oral health, which can actually impact your overall health, too.
Why is it important to go to the dentist? Here’s what to know about regular dental exams, including what they involve and why they’re so essential for your health.
What Happens at Routine Dental Exams?
A regular dental checkup may begin with an X-ray, depending on your age and health status. If you haven’t visited the dentist in a while, X-rays give the dentist a good idea of your current dental health and help identify cavities, bone loss and teeth impaction.
After the X-ray, a dental hygienist will clean your teeth. This cleaning involves a few different steps to get your teeth and gums looking and feeling fresh:
- Scaling: The hygienist will start with scaling, which involves using a small tool to scrape away plaque and tartar from your teeth. If plaque and tartar are left on the teeth for too long, they can lead to gum irritation and inflammation. In severe cases, plaque can cause cavities and tooth loss, and tartar buildup can result in gum infections and tooth loss.
- Polishing: After scaling, the hygienist will use a small electric tool, similar to an electric toothbrush, to polish your teeth using a polishing paste. This step helps remove tooth stains and improve the overall appearance of the teeth. It also smooths the surface of the teeth, so plaque has a harder time adhering to them.
- Flossing: As the last step, the hygienist will floss your teeth with string floss. This step is essential for removing any leftover plaque and debris from the previous steps. Sometimes, a water flosser will be used.
Once the cleaning is finished, the dentist will examine your mouth, looking for potential issues such as cavities or inflamed gums. While checking your teeth and gums, they may also look at your bite. If your bite seems off, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist. The dentist will also look for possible signs of oral, head and mouth cancers.
Finally, before you leave, you’ll have an opportunity to bring up any concerns with your dentist and discuss possible next steps. They may also give you some helpful tips on how to improve your at-home oral health routine.
How Long Does a Dental Exam Take?
The amount of time you’ll spend at the dentist for a routine exam varies, but you can expect to be done in about 30 to 45 minutes, barring any major issues. The cleaning part of the exam should take about 10 to 15 minutes in that time period.
While it can be difficult to find time to go to the dentist, sticking to these recommended appointments makes a huge difference in your oral health and provides peace of mind that your teeth and gums are healthy. Routine dental exams also help prevent problems that can lead to much more time-intensive treatments.
How Often Should You Get a Routine Dental Exam?
Most dentists recommend getting a dental exam every six months. Scheduling twice-yearly appointments gives you and your dentist the perfect amount of time to monitor your oral health and keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy.
However, you may need to see the dentist more often, depending on your health history. For example, people with diabetes may need to set up routine exams every three or four months. If you’re unsure how often to schedule your exams, speak with your dentist to see what they recommend.
In any case, visiting the dentist consistently is vital. Regular brushing and flossing at home is a great start — and necessary for your oral health — but you can only do so much on your own. Getting professional care is the best move for your overall wellness.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Dental Checkups?
The importance of regular dental checkups is clear when you take a look at the facts. Did you know that more than 1 in 5 adults in the United States have untreated dental cavities? What about how poor oral hygiene can result in all sorts of other health issues, such as an increased risk of heart disease, dementia, diabetes and certain types of cancers?
It’s clear from these and other statistics that good oral health is a must for good health overall. However, these aren’t the only reasons why seeing your dentist on a regular schedule is so crucial. Other benefits of routine exams include:
- Early detection and prevention: Oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease are progressive, meaning they get worse the longer you go without treatment. A regular dental exam allows you to catch these and other issues at their earliest stages, so you and your dentist can treat them before they turn into something more serious.
- Cleaner teeth: Dental hygienists are true pros when it comes to removing plaque and tartar buildup. They can get rid of bacteria you can’t reach on your own when you brush and floss your teeth at home. Plus, polishing gives your teeth a stunning shine so they look and feel great.
- Status updates: When it comes to your health, it’s always good to know where you stand. A dental checkup provides you with expert oversight of your current oral health status, as well as personalized advice on what you need to be doing to ensure your teeth and gums stay as healthy as possible. Your dentist will also be able to check up on the status of existing fillings, crowns and implants.
- Education opportunities: Some patients are unaware or feel unsure of how to brush and floss correctly. Visiting a dentist regularly gives you the chance to ask questions and get suggestions about how you can improve your dental care at home. This professional insight can help you make the best decisions for your oral health — you’ll feel even more confident about your routine.
- Better health: There’s a huge connection between oral health and broader physical health. By prioritizing regular dental visits, you take steps toward protecting yourself from both oral and overall health issues. A healthy mouth helps lay part of the foundation for total wellness.
Unlike many other parts of your body, you probably don’t spend a lot of time closely examining the inside of your mouth. You can’t see what’s going on under your gum line, either. Regular visits with a dentist are the best way to make sure your mouth gets the amount of attention it deserves. Consistent dental visits should be considered a key part of any standard wellness routine.
Choose Inspire Dental Wellness for Dental Care in Orland Park
The first step to making the most of regular dental visits is having a dentist you can trust with the care of your teeth and gums. At Inspire Dental Wellness, we offer routine dental checkups and advanced care to ensure your mouth is always at its healthiest. We’re always happy to work with you to fit routine exams into your busy schedule.
Together, we can make regular dental checkups part of your routine to support your overall health. Ready to schedule an appointment? Call us at 708-460-6699 to schedule a dental exam, and we’ll keep your mouth looking and feeling its best!
