Routine dental cleanings and exams play a critical role in protecting your oral health and overall well-being. Dr. Greg Reece uses them as a general dental service to monitor the progress of your oral health and ensure it’s being properly taken care of.
Dental Cleanings and Exams in Charlotte, NC
Even with consistent brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar still accumulate in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. Dental cleanings remove these deposits before they lead to cavities, gum disease, or infection. Plaque contains bacteria that produce acids, which erode enamel and irritate the gums. When plaque hardens into tartar, you can no longer remove it at home. Only professional instruments can safely eliminate it.
During a cleaning, a dental hygienist carefully removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline. This process reduces your risk of tooth decay and prevents inflammation that can progress into periodontal disease. Cleanings also help control bacteria that contribute to bad breath, leaving your mouth feeling fresher and healthier.
Regular cleanings support long-term oral health by maintaining a clean environment in your mouth. When bacteria stay under control, your gums remain healthier, your enamel stays stronger, and your risk of tooth loss decreases significantly.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning
A dental cleaning typically begins with a thorough assessment of your oral health. The hygienist examines your teeth and gums, looking for signs of inflammation, bleeding, or plaque buildup. Using specialized tools, they remove tartar from around the teeth and below the gumline, where bacteria often hide.
After scaling, the hygienist polishes your teeth to remove surface stains and smooth the enamel. This step helps prevent plaque from sticking to your teeth between visits. The appointment usually concludes with professional flossing and, in many cases, a fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel and protect against cavities.
Throughout the cleaning, your dental team provides guidance on brushing and flossing techniques and may recommend products tailored to your needs. These personalized tips help you maintain better oral hygiene at home and maximize the benefits of your professional care.
The Importance of Dental Exams
Dental exams complement cleanings by allowing the dentist to evaluate your overall oral health. During an exam, the dentist checks for cavities, cracked or worn teeth, gum disease, and other concerns that may not cause immediate symptoms. Early detection allows for simpler, less invasive treatment and better outcomes.
Exams often include oral cancer screenings, which involve checking the tongue, cheeks, throat, and soft tissues for abnormalities. Early identification of oral cancer dramatically improves treatment success, making routine exams a vital preventive measure.
Dentists also assess your bite, jaw alignment, and existing dental work during exams. They look for signs of grinding, clenching, or TMJ-related issues that may contribute to discomfort or long-term damage. If needed, they recommend treatment options or preventive solutions to protect your oral health.
How Cleanings and Exams Protect Your Overall Health
Oral health directly affects your overall health. Research continues to show strong connections between gum disease and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. When bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream, they can contribute to inflammation throughout the body.
Regular cleanings and exams reduce harmful bacteria and help control chronic inflammation in the gums. By maintaining healthy gums, you support better systemic health and reduce risks associated with untreated oral infections. Preventive dental care serves as an essential part of a comprehensive approach to wellness.
Cleanings and Exams for All Ages
Dental cleanings and exams benefit patients at every stage of life. Children rely on preventive visits to monitor tooth development, reinforce healthy habits, and detect issues early. Adults use routine care to prevent decay, manage gum health, and maintain existing dental work. Seniors depend on cleanings and exams to protect remaining natural teeth and ensure dentures or restorations fit properly.
No matter your age, regular preventive care helps preserve your smile and reduce the likelihood of dental emergencies.
Addressing Dental Anxiety During Preventive Visits
Many patients experience anxiety about dental appointments, even routine ones. A professional dental team understands these concerns and takes steps to create a comfortable, supportive environment. Cleanings and exams typically involve minimal discomfort, and clear communication helps patients feel at ease.
By attending regular visits, patients often find that their anxiety decreases over time. Familiarity with the process and trust in the dental team make preventive care more manageable and stress-free.
Schedule an Appointment
Proper preventative care can ensure your smile stays healthy. Schedule an appointment online or call our office.