The oral cavity is considered to be a gateway to your overall health and well-being. It has an essential interconnection with your other body systems, which can decide the fate of infection spread.  A good oral hygiene regimen is essential since it can inhibit the spread of infection to other parts of your body.  Regular brushing and flossing can do this job but only to a certain limit. For more extensive professional dental care, you may require oral exams and cleanings.

The family dentist in Monterey Park, CA, and their team of dental specialists and hygienists strive to detect or prevent oral diseases through routine dental exams and professional cleanings.

Why do you need routine dental exams?

A dental or oral exam is a clinical evaluation of the oral cavity to detect problems related to your teeth, gums, jaw, and throat. Here is a list of reasons why you may need routine dental exams for good oral health:

• Identifies early signs of tooth decay and cavities
• All the tooth surfaces will be checked for any pits, fissures, or prominent cavities using special dental instruments.
• Decay usually forms due to bacterial infiltration and plaque adherence.
• Prevents gum disease or detects it at an early stage
• Your dentist will examine your gums to check for any redness, tenderness, or the presence of gingival pockets. These mark the early signs of periodontal disease. 
• Detects early signs of oral cancer 

• Your dentist will check your lips, tongue, inner cheek lining, throat, gums, jaws, neck, and face for signs of any oral cancer or precancerous conditions.

What role do professional dental cleanings play in maintaining good oral health?

Professional dental cleanings play a significant role in maintaining your oral health, in addition to rejuvenating your smile. Insufficient oral hygiene has been linked to several serious illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. 

Here are the reasons why dental cleanings are essential:

• Stubborn stains, leading to tooth discoloration, can be removed, leaving you with a brighter smile. 
• Getting your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist can prevent gum disease, which leads to early tooth loss. 
• Oral cancer can be detected early during routine cleaning, enabling early treatment and management. 
• Getting your teeth cleaned can reduce your chances of potentially deadly heart attacks and strokes. 
• Early signs of problems, such as broken fillings and fractures, can be detected.

Closure 

Regular dental screenings or exams and cleanings are incredibly essential. These routine checkups and procedures can greatly benefit you through early detection for prompt treatment or help prevent several oral problems.