Exams and Cleanings in Oakland, CA
The American Dental Association (ADA) strongly recommends that all children and adults visit a dentist twice a year to receive a professional exam and cleaning. Here at Franklin Dental Care in Oakland, we offer appointments for individuals of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds to ensure everyone receives excellent dental treatment. Regular exams and cleanings are an important part of maintaining oral health and wellness and should thus not be missed.
What an Exam and Cleaning Entails
During a dental exam, a patient is seen by both the dentist and a hygienist, who helps with cleaning the teeth. The exam is typically visual and tactile, and will include a couple of tools like a light, mirror, and pick. The goal is to identify the early stages of potentially problematic dental issues, including the early stages of cavities and periodontal disease. Dentists will also perform an oral cancer screening, which seeks to identify cancerous spots. Sometimes an x-ray will be performed.
After the exam, the teeth and gums will be cleaned. The cleaning includes a couple of different elements, including thorough brushing and flossing. The gums will be cleaned as well using a brush and sometimes a tool used for scraping and planing. The gums should not bleed during this process. Bleeding gums are a sign of early-stage periodontal disease, and often mean a patient has not been flossing on a regular basis.
Why Exams and Cleanings Are Important
There are several reasons why patients should have biannual appointments. The exam is important to catch changes in the mouth that could indicate serious problems. Individuals who suffer from advanced tooth decay and periodontal disease often reach those stages because they did not visit a dentist for a checkup during the early stages.
Cleaning is significant because, the truth is, most people do not brush and floss correctly. Plaque builds up on the teeth and around the gums, facilitating tooth decay and gum disease. The dentist will use specialized tools to eliminate this plaque and help keep the teeth and gums healthy and strong.
For more information, make an appointment today with Franklin Dental Care in Oakland.