The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings and Exams

Even the best brushing and flossing routine can’t completely protect you against the buildup of bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria buildup can lead to a multitude of dental issues. That’s why regular cleanings are so important. With regular cleanings, it’s all about prevention. By keeping bacteria at bay, you can keep from needing costly dental work later.

Ben Mohrman, DDS, and the rest of our team at Affordable Dental East help many patients treat and prevent oral health issues. We review why regular dental cleanings and exams are so important for your oral health and dental hygiene.

Protecting you from gum disease

Plaque is a sticky biofilm that forms from food debris that’s left in your mouth. If it builds up over time, it hardens and forms into a substance called tartar. Once tartar forms, you can’t remove it on your own through brushing and flossing. When you have plaque and tartar developing in your mouth, it becomes a breeding ground for more bacteria. This can eventually lead to gum disease, which is also referred to as periodontitis or periodontal disease.

When you have mild gum disease, you might have red, swollen, and tender gums, but severe periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. Unfortunately, almost half of adults in the United States have some form of gum or periodontal disease. This is why dental cleanings are so vital, since they can remove plaque and tartar buildup and protect you from gum disease. 

Cavity prevention and care

As Dr. Mohrman checks your teeth, tongue, and gums, he can look for any trouble spots, including cavities, cracks, gaps, or signs of gum disease. In addition, he’ll take dental X-rays, which can help him see any problems that might be hard to spot. X-rays can show problematic areas and signs of decay in the earliest stages. 

If Dr. Mohrman does find a cavity, he can remove it in order to prevent it from damaging any more of your tooth’s enamel.

Cancer screenings

Oral cancer often doesn’t have symptoms in the beginning stages. So, going in for regular dental exams gives Dr. Mohrman the opportunity to check different areas like your tongue, lips, cheek, and jaw for any signs that might suggest early stage cancer.

If you have risk factors for cancers of the head and neck, such as tobacco use, excessive sun exposure, or a weakened immune system, these exams are even more important.

Overall dental hygiene

If your dental hygiene routine needs some improvement, Dr. Mohrman can spot it and offer some tips to make your brushing and flossing work more efficiently. Plus, what you include in your diet or exclude from it may affect the health of your gums and teeth.

If needed, Dr. Mohrman can suggest ways to improve your diet, and he can discuss techniques and products to help you take good care of your oral health.

Dental cleanings and exams are vital to your oral health, so don’t wait any longer to schedule your next one. To set up an appointment with us, contact our office located in Indianapolis, Indiana, or use our online booking tool today.