Everyone loves to have a smile they can be happy about. A healthy and bright smile can bring confidence into your life and overall health, too. If you are looking to have a healthy smile or want to maintain your teeth and gums, you’ve come to the right place. At Nautical Dental in San Antonio, Texas, we believe in ensuring dental exams to provide preventative care for all our patient’s smiles. Dental exams are an excellent way to help maintain your oral health as well as prevent any issues from occurring. However, what exactly are dental exams, and are they necessary?
In this blog, we will go over what dental exams are, how they work, and how they can help you.
What Are Dental Exams?
So, what exactly is a dental exam? Dental exams are scheduled every six months to a year, depending on Dr. Eric Cornelius‘ recommendations. During the exam, Dr. Cornelius will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and entire mouth for signs of decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues.
Before or after your dental exam, your hygienist will clean your teeth. Regular dental cleanings are integral to maintaining optimal oral health. These procedures involve the removal of dental plaque and tartar that has accumulated over time, preventing cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Dental cleanings also can help identify any potential issues early on, such as oral cancer or other systemic conditions that may first manifest in the mouth. Furthermore, they promote fresh breath and a brighter smile, enhancing confidence and well-being.
Importance of Dental Exams
Don’t worry if the thought of a dental exam triggers anxiety or fear – it’s perfectly normal. Dental anxiety is a serious condition, and Dr. Cornelius and his team understand this and are there every step to ensure your comfort throughout your appointment. When it comes to dental anxiety and dental exams, it is vital to keep in mind that regular exams can detect and prevent issues before they worsen or require more complex and costly treatments down the line. Plus, once you know what to expect and establish a rapport with your dentist and hygienist, you’ll realize dental exams are relatively painless.
At-Home Oral Care
Now that you know what to expect, let’s talk about preventative care at home. While dental exams are essential, taking care of your oral hygiene at home is equally vital in between appointments.
- Oral Hygiene: Ensure you brush your teeth at least twice daily, preferably after meals, and use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. Don’t forget to floss daily, using the proper technique to remove any leftover food or debris between teeth and along the gumline.
- Diet: Although delicious, we strongly encourage our patients to avoid sugary drinks and snacks that can contribute to plaque buildup and decay. You can still enjoy a few sweets occasionally, but moderation is the key to ensuring your smile stays healthy between dental exam appointments.
Making At-Home Oral Care Fun: Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips to help make your at-home dental care routine more enjoyable and effective.
- Electric Toothbrush: Invest in a good electric toothbrush, which can provide a deeper clean and eliminate the need for manual brushing strokes.
- Toothpaste Flavors: Experiment with different flavors of toothpaste to make brushing less mundane – imagine the minty freshness of toothpaste-induced brain freeze.
- Flavored floss: To encourage consistent flossing, try flavored floss, which can add an extra level of pleasure to the process.
- Diet: Another great way to ensure proper oral hygiene is to switch up your diet to include nutrient-rich foods that promote dental health. Foods high in calcium and vitamin D, such as cheese, yogurt, and leafy greens, can help strengthen teeth and bones. Crunchy fruits and vegetables, like apples and carrots, can help scrape away plaque and massage gums while providing a satisfying crunch.
Benefits of Dental Exams
Regular dental exams are an essential part of oral care that helps to prevent gum disease, cavities, and other dental issues. But did you know that dental exams can also have other health benefits? Let’s explore the full benefits of dental exams and why they are so important!
Detection of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can be deadly if not detected early. During a dental exam, Dr. Cornelius will check for signs of oral cancer, including lumps, bumps, and discoloration of the tongue, lips, and mouth. Early detection can make a big difference in the chances of successful treatment. Oral cancer is not as known as some of the other cancers, but it still occurs, and it is vital to ensure you get the proper care necessary to prevent oral cancer.
Early Gum Disease Detection
Gum disease is a common oral health issue caused by plaque buildup and bacteria on the teeth and gums. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems. A dental exam can detect early signs of gum disease, allowing for treatment before it becomes more severe. Gum disease affects several thousands of adults in the United States, and at Nautical Dental, we strive to help treat it with periodontal therapy.
Improved Dental Hygiene
Regular dental exams also serve as an opportunity to get advice on proper oral hygiene. Dr. Cornelius can show you how to brush and floss correctly and recommend products to help prevent cavities and gum disease. At your dental exam, you will also receive a dental cleaning, which will help brighten your smile and remove any stubborn plaque.
Prevention of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems, but with dental exams, you can adequately prevent it from occurring. During the exam, Dr. Cornelius will look for signs of decay and can take preventative measures to avoid cavities and tooth loss.
Overall Health Boost
Poor oral health has been linked to other health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. A dental exam can help detect early signs of these conditions and aid in the prevention and management of these diseases. We encourage women who are pregnant to receive dental treatment as well, as oral health issues like gum disease may lead to pregnancy problems if left untreated.
Confidence Boost
Although dental exams and cleanings are not a cosmetic fix, by taking care of your oral health through preventative means, you can take care of your smile and keep it looking and feeling fresh and healthy. A healthy, glowing smile always makes one feel more confident and smile more frequently, knowing their smile and overall health are being taken care of.
Dental Exams in San Antonio, TX
Dental exams may not be the most exciting item on your to-do list, but they are crucial in maintaining good oral health and preventing more complicated and costly issues. Dr. Cornelius and his excellent team are here every step of the way to provide you with the treatments you need to have a healthy and dazzling smile. With dental exams, you can achieve the smile you want while ensuring the preventive means of caring for your smile. Remember, taking care of your smile between visits will also encourage the health of your teeth, and there are always ways to make brushing your teeth more exciting.
So, what are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment with us and get the bi-annual care your smile needs to ensure your health and smile stay strong and healthy for a lifetime.
