The importance of your dental health goes beyond just your mouth as it can impact your overall health as well. Having a consistent daily oral care routine is vital for your dental health, and it can help you preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible. However, your daily oral care routine is not enough as regular dental exams are integral to your oral health. Below you will find information on why regular dental exams are so important.
Why Regular Dental Exams Are So Important
It is really easy to put off your regular dental exam in La Mesa with the intention of rescheduling later on. However, it’s important to regularly visit the dentist as it can have a positive impact on your oral health.
Preventative Measure:
Focusing on preventative measures can help keep your teeth in top shape in the long run. Regular dental checkups help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Even with a good oral care routine at home, plaque and harmful bacteria can cause issues for your dental health. Untreated plaque can cause tooth decay and can even lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Regular dental visits can help keep your dental health in good order.
Benefits Your Overall Health:
Research has shown a direct link between oral health and your overall health. In fact, attending your regular dental checkups every six months can increase your lifespan. Poor oral health has been linked with cardiovascular disease, pregnancy complications, childbirth complications, pneumonia, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and endocarditis. Focusing on your oral health by regularly visiting the dentist can have major long-term benefits for your overall health.
Regular Record of Your Oral Health:
Visiting the dentist every 6 months can provide your dentist with a regular record of your oral health. This can be highly beneficial as any changes are documented, and your dentist can keep a close eye on any areas of concern. Early detection is one of the most important factors if you have any adverse dental issues. Finding issues early can save you time and money in the long run. It can also help you preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible.
What to Expect at Your Dental Exam
If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you may wonder if anything has changed. Modern advancements have made dentistry much more comfortable and efficient. Most regular dental checkups include the following steps.
Oral Inspection:
The dentist will look at your teeth and possibly take photographs for your dental file.
X-ray:
The dentist may want you to get an X-ray. This can help assist them in seeing dental issues that are unclear from the oral inspection.
Teeth Cleaning:
Your dentist will clean your teeth, remove plaque and tartar that has built up, brush and polish your teeth, and floss your teeth. You may also get a fluoride treatment if the dentist determines it’s necessary.
Scheduling:
Your dentist will tell you when they want to see you again. If everything is good with your oral health, they will likely want to see you again in 6 months. However, if there are any issues, they may want you to come back sooner. It’s best to schedule your appointment before you leave so you don’t forget or wait too long before your return.
Dental Exams in La Mesa
If you need to schedule a dental checkup, contact Smiles of La Mesa. They provide dental exams in La Mesa and have years of experience helping patients get their dental health in order. Contact the top dentist in La Mesa today for an appointment!
