If you are having problems with your teeth, or you have had a dental emergency happen, then you will go to the dentist to have those issues specifically addressed. However, you don't want to wait until you are experiencing dental issues to go to the dentist. You should also be going to regular dental exams. You can learn more about some things that can happen more often when you don't get proper exams, as well as just what to expect when you do go in for them here:
The importance of regular dental exams
When you go a long time without seeing the dentist, there are a lot of things that can happen to your teeth that you may not even know are occurring. One very common occurrence many people end up dealing with is cavities. There are some things that can significantly increase your risk of developing cavities. Some of these include improper regular dental hygiene, eating a lot of the wrong foods, genetics, and not going in for regular dental exams.
Another one of the things that can happen to your teeth that you may not be aware of is tooth decay. This can happen when there is a build-up of plaque on your teeth. Tooth decay can lead to problems such as the development of bad breath, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
What to expect when you go in for your dental exams
When you go in for your dental exam, you will have x-rays taken of your teeth. This will show the dentist how your teeth are doing on the inside, as well as the outside. Also, you will have a physical exam of your teeth, where handheld dental tools are used to check things like the thickness of your teeth.
Any issues that are found will be discussed with you and a treatment plan will be made. You will also have your teeth cleaned professionally. The teeth cleaning will help get rid of the build-up that remains on your teeth, despite your best efforts to clean them with brushing and flossing.
You will be given the opportunity to discuss any of your dental concerns with the dentist during your exam. So, you may want to write down questions as you think of them, then bring the note with you to your appointment. This way, you won't forget to ask the dentist something while you have them in the room. Talk to someone in general dentistry for more information.
