Many people have put off seeing the dentist for routine checkups, whether due to concerns regarding the pandemic, or because they simply don’t understand the value of these visits. However, a dental checkup is often crucial for protecting your overall health! In today’s blog, your Olathe, KS, dentists will look at the benefits offered by a dental checkup.
When to Schedule One
We suggest a visit for a routine exam about once every six months. A child’s first visit should happen within six months of the initial baby tooth’s arrival. These visits benefit kids, teens, and adults, allowing us to keep a close on your smile with advanced technology, so we can pinpoint the presence of developing issues and offer treatment to protect you from complications. We will also clean your teeth during the same visit, which involves removing all plaque and tartar from the teeth to help lower the risk of issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
What We’re Looking For
During the exam, we will look at the teeth for signs of demineralization that could mean the earliest stages of decay, as well as full-fledged tooth decay and dental injections. We also watch for the wear and friction that could indicate the presence of problems like TMJ disorder and teeth grinding (bruxism). We watch the gums for the signs of inflammation that point to gingivitis and gum disease. The earlier we diagnose these concerns, the sooner we administer treatment. After all, why wait for a cavity to grow so severe you need a root canal, when we can diagnose and treat them with a one-visit filling much earlier?
Oral Cancer Screenings
Another reason these visits are especially vital for adults is the oral cancer screenings. We carefully look at your oral structures and tissues for signs of cancerous and precancerous areas. Early diagnosis is key, as one reason oral cancer has such a high mortality rate (50% of those diagnosed succumb within five years) is because it’s rarely discovered early on. In between your screenings, you should let us know if you notice changes to your voice, persistent hoarseness or sore throat, sudden weight loss, or rough patches and lesions in the mouth that don’t heal. According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, over 53,000 people will be diagnosed this year alone, so be sure to schedule a screening soon!
Ready to Schedule Your Next Exam?
Our team employs general and preventive care to help improve the function, stability, and beauty of your smile. For more information on our checkup and cleaning visits, or to schedule a dental consultation, call E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, and all surrounding communities.