A beautiful smile and overall wellness depend on maintaining good oral health. The key to success in this endeavor is routine dental checkups, however many people mistake a check-up for a cleaning.
At Beyond Dental, we believe in educating and empowering our patients so they can recognize the distinctions between these two important dental treatments. Let’s get into the specifics and clarify the difference between a dental exam and a cleaning.
Dental Check-Up: Assessing Your Overall Oral Health
The primary goal of a dental examination is to identify and treat oral health issues in their earliest stages. For indications of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other dental issues, the dentist in SW Calgary or a hygienist will examine the teeth. Additionally, they will check your bite and jaw alignment for abnormalities and, if necessary, take X-rays.
Plaque and tartar are thoroughly cleaned during dental exams. This maintains the health of your teeth and gums by preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque and tartar will be removed by the dentist using specialized tools, improving your dental health.
Stages of a Dental Check-up
During your dental check-up, your dentists will:
- Physically examine your teeth
- Inspect your gums
- Perform an oral cancer screening
- Take x-rays
Dental Cleaning: Removing Plaque and Tartar
A thorough cleaning of your teeth is called prophylaxis and is done by a professional dentist near you. It focuses on removing tartar and plaque from the teeth and gums because these substances are challenging to get rid of with regular brushing and flossing.
Plaque, a sticky coating created by bacteria, accumulates on teeth. If left untreated, it can harden into tartar and lead to oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque and tartar are thoroughly eliminated from every area of your mouth, including difficult-to-reach places, by a dental hygienist using specialized tools and techniques.
In addition to plaque and tartar treatment, a dental cleaning polishes teeth to eliminate surface stains and smooth them. This improves your teeth’s appearance and prevents accumulation of plaque.
Stages of a Dental Cleaning
During a dental cleaning, a dental hygienists will carry out the following measures:
- Remove plaque and tartar
- Brush and polish your teeth with gritty toothpaste
- Floss between your teeth
- Fluoride application
Significance of Regular Dental Appointments
Knowing the distinction between dental check-ups & cleanings near you will assist you in understanding the importance of both for maintaining good oral health. Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to identify any early-stage issues, improving the likelihood of successful treatment and averting further issues. If you detect issues like cavities or gum disease early on, you can avoid more involved and expensive dental procedures later on.
On the other hand, regular dental cleanings are essential for preventing oral health issues before they develop. Plaque and tartar can still build up over time, even with strict home dental hygiene routines. You can reduce your risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems by scheduling routine cleanings, which will ensure that your teeth and gums are thoroughly cleansed.
You can actively take care of your teeth and gums by combining routine exams with expert cleanings, which will ensure a healthy and attractive smile for years to come.
Visit Beyond Dental for Preventative Oral Care
Our skilled staff is committed to offering thorough oral healthcare to keep your smile healthy and attractive. You can preserve healthy teeth and gums for the rest of your life by scheduling routine dental check-ups & cleanings in SW Calgary and adhering to a consistent regime at home.
Contact our community dental office today to schedule your next appointment today.