Marin Heyer 
The dental care in Hollywood, FL, usually involves dental checkups that consist of oral examination and thorough professional cleaning. This ensures that your teeth and gums are in optimal condition.
When visiting a dental clinic for oral checkups, it is important to know everything about dental exam and cleaning. Being aware of what happens will make you feel more comfortable and relaxed.
Importance of dental exam in oral care
During your dental visit, a comprehensive dental exam will be conducted. This will include the following:
Examination of the tooth decay
- Special dental instruments like probes will be used to check for caries on the tooth surfaces.
Evaluation of gum disease
- Your gums and the bone surrounding your teeth will be evaluated to check for signs of periodontal disease like bleeding gums, gingival pockets, loose teeth, and soreness in the alveolar bone.
Assessing the condition of the existing restorations
- Your dentist will evaluate the existing fillings for secondary infections and dental crowns for their fit.
Examination of dental X-rays
- X-rays are excellent diagnostic tools to detect dental caries, tumors, and bone loss and help to determine the tooth and root position.
Oral cancer screening
- Your dentist will examine your face, lips, tongue, throat, and gums for any early signs of cancer.
Significance of professional cleaning in dental care
Professional dental cleanings aim at eliminating plaque, bacteria, and calculus. These procedures prevent or halt the progression of gum disease.
These include the following:
Plaque removal
- Plaque is a sticky material that forms a thin film on tooth surfaces. It consists of bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produced toxins that damage and inflame the gums causing periodontal disease.
- Dental cleanings effectively remove plaque through ultrasonic scalers.
Eliminating calculus
- Calculus is the hardened form of plaque that has been left behind on the tooth surface.
- Regular brushing and flossing cannot eliminate calculus.
- It can only be removed through ultrasonic instruments during dental cleaning.
Final teeth polishing
- Your dentist will use specialized rubber cups and paste to remove stains that are otherwise not removed through brushing and scaling.
Final note
Dental exams and cleaning are critical for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Regular visits to your dentist help detect tooth problems and gum diseases at the earliest. This helps to prevent the onset of periodontal disease or halts its progression.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you are advised to visit your dentist every 6 months for a dental exam and professional cleaning. This enhances your oral health and rejuvenates your smile.
