Why It Is So Important to Maintain Regular Dental Exams

Regular dental exams are important as they help keep teeth and gums healthy in Plano, TX. At Parker West Dental Associates, Dr. Tim Nguyen recommends a dental exam at least once a year. During this visit, he can check for tooth decay, gum disease, detect oral cancers, and help patients like you to maintain or improve your oral health. Routine dental cleanings are typically performed during one’s regular dental exam and every six months thereafter.

What happens at a dental exam?

During a dental exam, Dr. Nguyen will evaluate the health of your gums, perform a physical examination of your head, neck, and jaw to look for anything out of the ordinary, and check your bite. He also will examine the mouth for indications of oral cancer. He will ask about your medical history, any medication you currently take, and any previous dental problems, procedures, and surgeries you may have had. Digital x-rays allow him to reveal problems that aren’t easy to detect with the eye alone. These x-rays can show cysts, impacted teeth, and cavities. They use lower radiation, which makes them ideal for patients of all ages in Plano, TX.

During this visit, you will also have a routine dental cleaning with a dental hygienist. First, your gums will be checked. At Parker West Dental Associates, we will measure the depth of the spaces between the teeth and gums to determine whether or not you have gum disease. These numbers will be used as a guide for future cleanings to determine whether or not your condition is worsening. Next, we remove any plaque or tartar on or in between the teeth. This is known as scaling. After the teeth are scaled, they are polished. We also floss between the teeth and teach you proper techniques to effectively remove debris from the mouth. We also can review your existing routine and make suggestions for you to improve.

Once both the exam and the cleaning are done, Dr. Nguyen will tell you about the health of your teeth and gums and suggest treatments that will improve your oral health. By seeing a dentist on a regular basis and following a daily oral hygiene routine, you are more likely to keep your teeth and gums the healthiest.

Why are dental exams important?

Potential problems are spotted early, which means they can be addressed before costly or more extensive procedures are necessary. This saves you the time, money, pain, and discomfort. The idea is to invest in regular dental exams rather than waiting until you’re in pain, have an infection, and need extensive procedures in order to restore your smile.

How often should I visit the dentist in Plano, TX?

How often you visit a dentist and have a routine dental exam will depend on the health of your gums and teeth. If you have a history of dental problems or in the midst of some, Dr. Nguyen may request that you visit him more often, maybe every three months instead of six.

Also, be sure to start your kids early with checkups, too. This helps to prevent serious dental issues from happening. They also become more comfortable with the dentist and will maintain a regular routine of visiting a dentist as they grow up.

How to maintain good oral hygiene

It’s important to take care of your teeth and gums in between dental visits. Some oral hygiene tips that will help maintain or improve oral hygiene include: 

1. Proper brushing and flossing: Plaque is always forming on the teeth, but it can be managed with regular brushing and flossing at home. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once daily. 
2. Use a mouthwash: Choose one that helps to control plaque bacteria. This will help keep your breath fresh, too. 

Ultimately, good oral hygiene helps prevent dental problems from occurring.

Contact Parker West Dental Associates for a dental exam today

Regular dental exams make sure that oral health problems such as cavities, infection, or gum disease are detected before they become painful. Make sure that you have a healthy smile with annual dental examinations at least once a year and routine dental cleanings every six months with Dr. Tim Nguyen. Maintaining your oral health is a priority, so allow our professionals at Parker West Dental Associates in Plano, TX to help you. Our compassionate team can help you to restore your oral health and to maintain it throughout the years, too. We invite you to schedule a dental exam today!