Did you know that half of all American adults over age 30 have periodontal disease? It’s true, and this common oral disease causes inflammation and tooth decay. If it’s left untreated, it can even lead to tooth loss.
Periodontal disease is a big problem, but the good news is that you can lower your risk of it — and other oral health issues — with regular dental exams. Routine exams at least two times a year are a simple way to keep your teeth cleaner and your mouth healthier.
At Morita Dental, Kohei Morita, DDS, and our team specialize in dental exams for the whole family. We’re proud to provide comprehensive care for adults and children, so you can enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Regular dental exams keep teeth clean
Dental exams are also called dental cleanings, because your teeth are thoroughly cleaned at each appointment. It’s important to brush and floss your teeth every day, but it’s impossible to eliminate all the harmful buildup with at-home care alone.
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria on your teeth, and it hardens into tartar. Both plaque and tartar can cause tooth decay, cavities, and periodontal disease, but professional dental cleanings remove this harmful bacteria effectively.
Dr. Morita and our team use special dental tools to carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. We may recommend additional preventive treatments, such as fluoride treatments or sealants for long-lasting protection. As part of your exam, we may order X-rays or other tests to further evaluate your oral health.
Regular dental exams identify oral health concerns early
Getting regular dental exams is a proactive way to care for your oral health. Many common dental problems like damage, decay, and periodontal disease are most treatable when they’re identified early, and our team is trained to identify these issues.
Damage and decay won’t go away on their own, but prompt treatment can stop these issues from spreading. Proactive care can reduce your risk of suffering continued decay, tooth sensitivity, pain, and infection.
Periodontal disease starts as gingivitis, or mild gum inflammation. Treating the condition when it first appears can stop and — even reverse — the damage. On the other hand, advanced periodontal disease may cause irreversible damage or require more advanced treatments to improve your oral health.
Regular dental exams monitor existing oral health issues
When you come to Morita Dental for your ongoing dental care, we maintain detailed records, so we can monitor your oral health between appointments.
For example, not all cavities need treatment right away. If you have small cavities, we monitor them over time. We might eventually recommend fillings if they continue getting larger.
Depending on your oral health, we offer a variety of dental restorations like crowns, bridges, and dental implants. We partner with you to ensure you’re enjoying your best oral health and your most beautiful smile.
You should continue getting regular exams throughout your life, no matter your age. Even if you wear dentures, your dental exams give the dentist the opportunity to examine your gums and jaw. He also looks at your dentures and how they fit to make sure they’re still working well for you.
If you don’t have your next dental exam on your calendar, now’s the time to get it scheduled. Call Morita Dental at 408-775-7770, or request an appointment online now.