A dental exam is a necessary check-up of gums and teeth for protecting oral health. It is required for both children and adults to get a dental exam at least every six months. This is because oral health problems can become severe and painful if left untreated. Both dental hygienists and dentists usually carry out dental exams. Dental exams also help sensitize people on the best ways to protect and care for their gums and teeth.

Why Do I Need A Dental Exam?

One of the best practices to maintain excellent oral health for both adults and children is to get a dental exam every six months. For instance, a person suffering from gingivitis (bleeding and swollen gums) may need to see a dentist more often as adults with gum disease should visit a dentist three or four times a year. More frequent dental exams help prevent periodontitis (a severe gum disease), which leads to infection and tooth loss. Also, it is recommended for babies to get a dental appointment at twelve months of age or within six months of getting their first tooth, then every six months or by the recommendation of the child's dentist. A child may need more frequent dental visits if the dentist detects oral health issues or problems with tooth development.

What Happens During A Dental Exam?

A typical dental exam includes cleaning by the hygienist, x-rays, and check-up of the mouth by the dentist, which plays a crucial role in keeping gums and teeth healthy. Unfortunately, people in the United States do not visit a dentist from year to year. Dental exams can also be helpful in that certain medical severe conditions may show symptoms in the mouth. At the same time, the patient may not take note- dental issues could be symptomless and pain-free, especially during the early stage.

Checking Of Overall Health Usually, the dentist will ask about medical history if it's the first appointment at a particular practice. In the case of a patient that has been examined before, the dentist will want to know whether there have been changes in the patient's overall health to gain insights into the patient's medical conditions, treatments, and medications. Medical history is an essential factor in helping dentists proceed with a check-up.

Examining Gums, Teeth, And Jaw Dentists use a metal probe with an angled mirror during dental exams to see behind and between teeth and check for possible warning signs of cavities- softening of dentin and enamel. A regular dental exam also checks for redness or sores and swelling problems in the gums. The dentist will also measure the space between the top of the gum line and where the soft tissue secures a tooth in place. This is followed by examining the jawbones while the patient bites down to ensure that the bite is aligned and there's no clicking from the joints or signs of jaw clenching.

Cleaning And Polishing During the dental exam, the patient will go through thorough cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist to remove plaque and deposited tartar by scraping below and above the gum line and flossing. According to a dental survey, flossing by professionals is far more effective, decreasing the risk of tooth decay and other oral problems than flossing at home. Most times, the cleaning process ends with using a spinning polisher, with a mild abrasive head to give the teeth a smooth and shiny finish, to get rid of residues of food particles previously missed, plaques, and tartar. Smooth teeth are not only for cosmetic purposes but also for plaque to not latch onto them between dental visits.

Taking X-Rays And Checking For Diabetes X-rays help detect problems below the teeth and gums that are not visible. Modern technology (dental X-rays) is safer than ever, replacing the old film version in many dental offices. X-rays effectively detect gum infections, including gingivitis and tooth-root problems. Detecting the above issues at an early stage is essential for effective treatment. Halitosis (bad breath) and gum infection can indicate diabetes. People with diabetes are prone to gum issues due to their inability to fight off bacteria, including those in the mouth.  

Future Benefits Of Regular Dental Exam

Regular dental care is vital to keep gums and teeth strong and healthy. Still, millions of people in the United States fail to visit a dentist each year, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). The exam does not only help to protect and maintain the health of the mouth, but reveals the signs and symptoms of problems in other parts of the body as many medical conditions can affect the mouth.

How Often Should You Get A Dental Exam?

Typically, a dental exam should take place every six months. However, it is recommended to consult a dentist to decide how often you should be examined; some patients may need to visit the dentist more frequently based on genetic susceptibility to tooth and root decay as well as gum disease, frequency of cavities, and smoking.

How Long Does A Dental Exam Take?

Not only are dental exams essential for maintaining good oral health, but they also play a crucial part in a preventive healthcare routine. Dental exams can also help pinpoint lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. Some symptoms of the above diseases may frequently appear in the mouth first. If there are no other factors, such as the need for a deep cleaning that must be addressed, a dental exam should not exceed forty-five minutes.  

What Questions Should I Ask The Dentist?

Patients are generally encouraged to ask questions during a dental exam. Several questions can be asked based on the patient's dental issues and situation. However, four critical questions help patients understand the best practices to care for their teeth. The answers to these questions will help the patient keep clean and healthy teeth. Those questions are:

• How often are dental exams needed?
• Is there any risk for future dental problems?
• What needs to be done to improve the oral hygiene routine?
• Are there any foods that need to be avoided?