Dental cleanings are more than just a look in the mouth and a swish of a brush. Each part of a dental cleaning has high importance. Dental cleanings do more than some may realize. A dental exam is performed at each cleaning appointment. Dental exams help the dentist find traces of decay, tumors, bone loss, and diseases that may be lurking inside the mouth. The dentist, or hygienist, will check for signs of oral cancer on the face and neck as well as inside the mouth.
This is called an oral cancer screening. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, an estimated 36,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2010. For the past five years oral cancer has been an increasing problem. This increase is evident as we look at research. The Oral Cancer Foundation has stated that every hour of every day a person dies of oral cancer.
Besides an oral cancer screening, the dentist or hygienist will also check the gums and teeth for signs of periodontal diseases. Gingivitis is a periodontal disease that causes inflammation of the gums. Dental x-rays can determine if the inflammation has spread to the supporting structures on the teeth so treatment can be started to correct the problem. Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis goes untreated. When the bacteria on the teeth and gums produce toxins they stimulate a chronic inflammatory response and the body essentially turns against itself and the tissues that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. The gums become infected and the disease can spread throughout the mouth. Periodontal diseases can lead to tooth loss, heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory diseases.
Other exams include checks to make sure current fillings and crowns are secure and doing their jobs as well as to check the surface of the teeth for tooth decay. Fillings don't last forever and may become discolored. Wear and tear from chewing can also cause fillings to fall out. An exam of the fillings will tell if they need to be replaced or are still in good condition. Checking for tooth decay can prevent damage to the teeth. Tooth decay and cavities can lead to broken teeth, tooth loss, serious infections, and chewing problems.
During the cleaning portion of the visit, the dentist or hygienist will remove the plaque that has been attached to teeth over time. Plaque is a colony of living bacteria and food debris that forms on the teeth. Once the teeth are cleaned they are polished to remove stains and plaque on the surface of the teeth.
Without a dental cleaning and exam every six months many things could go very wrong, but if a regular routine of visits to the dentist is kept there will be less to worry about.
Author Resource:-
Parmer Lane Family Dentistry (http://www.keepaustinsmiling.com/) is a dentist in Austin TX.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.massagebyben.com/articles/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites 