Why do I need an oral exam?

Our family dentist in Sciota encourages everyone to have an oral exam and cleaning twice a year to look for potential tooth damage, abrasions on your tongue or cheeks, and gum disease signs during the exam. In some cases, additional services are necessary to determine the necessary treatments for your condition. For example, a patient with abrasions may receive a recommendation for a cancer screening, which could be a life-saving decision.

What’s the purpose of dental cleaning?

Dental cleanings are a crucial component of your oral health care. Even the most avid brushers and flossers require regular dental cleanings to remove the bacteria and food debris that’s unreachable through traditional cleaning methods. For example, bacteria can hide underneath the gum line and is difficult to remove with a toothbrush. Additionally, although flossing removes the most harmful substances between your teeth, there are some areas your floss can’t reach. Therefore, visiting our Sciota dental office is necessary to remove tartar buildup, which is the building block of gum disease. The American Dental Association recommends that everyone receive a checkup and cleaning once every six months for good oral health.

Why are x-rays necessary during preventive care visits?

Examining the visible areas of your mouth is a simple process, but other regions and underlying factors can contribute to adverse conditions and require additional treatment. At Quiet Valley Dental, our dentists use x-rays to ensure your jawbone is healthy and adequately developed. Additionally, x-rays can show tooth damage that’s not visible to the naked eye, especially when the damage is below the gum line. Furthermore, x-rays can help monitor changes over time that may require additional adjustments or treatments. Therefore, when you visit our dentist’s office in Sciota for preventive care, you can have peace of mind that we consider whole-mouth wellness, including the underlying bone structure.

What could happen if I avoid proper oral care?

Caring for your teeth and gums is crucial for a healthy mouth and good overall health and wellness. People who avoid caring for their smile increase their risks of gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss. Unfortunately, poor oral health can directly impact other health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, because your oral and overall health connects directly. Untreated oral health concerns can damage your teeth and jawbone and may require multiple expensive treatments to restore functionality. Fortunately, through regular dental care at home and visits to our Sciota family dental office for checkups and cleanings, you can drastically reduce your risks and protect your smile through preventive dental care and at-home oral hygiene efforts.

Family Dentist in Sciota, Pennsylvania

You can protect your smile from the harmful effects of bacteria and the daily consumption of foods and beverages. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily is the best method to remove damaging bacteria and food debris from your mouth. Regular dental visits every six months can help maintain a cleaner mouth and monitor for potential problems. So, contact our Sciota family dentist at Quiet Valley Dental today by calling (570) 992-7040 to schedule an appointment and protect your smile.