What Are Dental Exams?

A dental exam is a checkup of your gums and teeth. Most children and adults are recommended to get dental exams in Turlock at least once every six months for optimal oral health. If not treated promptly, oral health problems can become serious and painful. Our team at Varani Smile has put together this article to help our patients understand just what dental exams entail.

What is the Purpose of Dental Exams?

Dental exams near you are used to help detect gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues while they are easy to treat. These exams are also a great time for a dentist in Turlock to educate patients about the best ways to look after their oral health.

When Are Dental Exams Necessary?

Most adults and children should be visiting the dentist for a dental exam once every six months. However, if you have bleeding, swollen, or inflamed gums, then your dentist near you may want to see you more often. Some adults who have gum disease may need to visit their dentist three to four times a year.

Infants should begin visiting the dentist within six months of getting their first tooth, or by one year of age, whichever is sooner. After that, they should get an exam every six months to monitor the development of their teeth, jaws, and gums.

What Happens During a Dental Exam?

When you visit Varani Smile for a dental cleaning and exam, you can expect the following:

• Our dental hygienist will perform a full cleaning of your teeth, using special tools to scrape the plaque and tartar off their surfaces
• The hygienist will floss and polish your teeth before providing you with a fluoride treatment to strengthen your tooth enamel

Once your cleaning with our dental hygienist is complete, our dentist will visit you and perform the following:

• Take x-rays of your teeth and jaws to check for any cavities or other issues
• Inspect your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy
• Check your bite
• Check for oral cancer by feeling under your jaw and looking at the insides of your cheeks, lips, and tongue

How to Prepare for a Dental Exam

If you have certain health conditions, you may need to take some antibiotics before your exam; these conditions include:

• Immune system disorders
• Recent surgery
• Heart problems

Additionally, some people feel nervous about visiting the dentist. If you feel this way, you may want to talk to the dentist beforehand, as they will be able to provide you with tips to feel more relaxed and comfortable.

How to Maintain Oral Health at Home

While dental cleanings and checkups are essential to oral health, you must also ensure that you maintain good oral hygiene practices at home. A good oral hygiene routine will include the following steps:

• Brush your teeth two times a day for at least two minutes
• Floss once daily to remove plaque between your teeth and along your gum line
• Use toothpaste that contains fluoride-fluoride is essential in preventing tooth decay and cavities.
• Maintain a healthy diet, limiting sweets and sugary beverages
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months
• Do not smoke- smokers have more oral health issues than nonsmokers

Maintaining optimal oral health is essential for your overall health and wellbeing. If you haven’t seen a dentist in the last few months, please contact Varani Smile to book a consultation today!