Posted .

examIf you’re thinking about skipping that twice-annual exam with your dentist, you should probably think twice. Receiving a dental exam and cleaning every six months is an important practice for maintaining your oral health. Your dentist will:

Check for Cavities, Gum Disease, and Tooth Decay 

Your dentist will check for indicators of cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. Without completing regular exams, these issues may go unnoticed and worsen over time. Cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay are all much easier to treat in the early stages. However, as these problems progress, more damage will be done, narrowing the treatment options available to you.

Check for Signs of Systemic Diseases

Certain systemic diseases, such as lupus, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer, can first appear in the mouth. Your dentist can identify the signs of these serious conditions and direct you toward the medical treatment that you need. 

Recommend Different Oral Hygiene Habits 

Your dentist will talk to you about your oral hygiene habits, as well as your diet. They may provide recommendations to improve your oral hygiene with different daily habits. This can help you improve your oral health and prevent problems like gum disease and tooth decay over time. 

Take X-Ray Exam

While you may not need to have X-rays done at every dental exam, periodically having X-rays completed by your dentist is important. X-rays provide vital information to your dentist so that they can identify and diagnose oral concerns that aren’t evident during the regular dental exam. By keeping your X-rays up-to-date, you can make sure that any damage, decay, or disease is identified and treated promptly. 

To schedule a dental exam in Everett, Washington, contact 19th Avenue Dental today.