What We Do During Your Dental Exams and Cleanings
Posted on 1/1/2026 by Smile Makers Dental Center Office |
 Visiting the dentist regularly is about more than just keeping your smile bright. It's a crucial part of taking care of your overall health! Many people don't realize how much a simple dental check-up can contribute to their well-being. So, what exactly happens during these appointments? Let's break it down.
The Dental Exam: A Thorough Check-Up
The dental exam is a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health. It's like a physical, but specifically for your mouth. We start by reviewing your medical history. This is important because certain medical conditions and medications can impact your oral health, and vice versa. For example, diabetes can increase your risk of gum disease.
Next, we visually examine your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues. We're looking for signs of tooth decay (cavities), gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), and any abnormalities like lesions, swelling, or changes in color. We use a small mirror and a bright light to get a good view of every surface.
We also check your bite. How your teeth come together when you close your mouth can affect your jaw joint, cause headaches, and even contribute to tooth wear. We might also take X-rays. These images allow us to see what's happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. X-rays can reveal hidden cavities, bone loss, impacted teeth, and other problems that can't be seen with the naked eye.
Oral cancer screenings are another important part of the dental exam. We carefully examine your tongue, cheeks, lips, and throat for any signs of suspicious growths or sores. Early detection of oral cancer is key to successful treatment.
The Cleaning: Removing Plaque and Tartar
The cleaning portion of your visit is performed by a dental hygienist. Even with diligent brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If it's not removed, it hardens into tartar (also called calculus), which is much more difficult to remove and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
The hygienist uses these instruments to carefully scrape away plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. This process is called scaling. They may also use a polishing paste to remove surface stains and leave your teeth feeling smooth and clean.
Flossing is another important part of the cleaning. The hygienist will floss between your teeth to remove plaque and debris from areas that your toothbrush can't reach. They can also provide you with personalized flossing tips and techniques to help you improve your oral hygiene at home.
Finally, the hygienist may apply fluoride to your teeth. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps to prevent cavities. It's an important part of prevention dentistry, especially for children and adults who are at high risk for tooth decay.
Prevention Dentistry: Your Best Defense
Regular dental exams and cleanings are essential for prevention dentistry. By catching problems early, we can prevent them from becoming more serious and costly to treat. We can also provide you with personalized oral care advice and guidance to help you maintain a healthy smile for life. Remember, consistent oral care at home and regular visits to the dentist are the best ways to protect your teeth and gums.
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