Dental Exams and Cleanings in Baltimore, MD
Preventive dentistry is an essential part of maintaining optimal oral health and wellness. In preventive dentistry, patients receive regular treatment to stop the development of serious oral conditions like tooth decay, gum disease, and plaque buildup. When someone visits Canton Crossing Dental for regular exams and cleanings in Baltimore, they are actively engaging in preventive dentistry and are on their way to maintaining their oral health.
What Happens During an Exam
Regular exams are an essential component of keeping the mouth healthy. During an exam at Canton Crossing Dental, our dentist performs a visual and tactile inspection of the teeth, gums, and other soft tissues inside the mouth. They use specialized tools like picks and mirrors to detect weakness in tooth enamel, the early signs of gum disease, strange sores, and also lumps that could indicate cancer.
After the initial inspection, our Baltimore dentist will often recommend x-rays of the mouth and jaws. These x-rays can reveal hidden pockets of tooth decay, jaw misalignment, and other potential problems unseen by the naked eye.
After the x-rays, it is common to receive an oral cancer screening. These screenings include a visual exam but might also require the use of special light or blue dye to reveal spots with abnormal tissues.
The purpose of an exam is to identify potential problems and then recommend treatment before the issues worsen. Exams are recommended on a biannual basis.
What Happens During a Cleaning
Many people avoid going to the dentist because they hate having their teeth cleaned, but professional treatment is crucial. During a cleaning, our dentist uses tools to scrape and remove plaque and tartar that has built up over time on the teeth. While patients brush and floss their teeth regularly, they often fail to remove all of the buildups.
Over time, plaque and tartar can attack the enamel of the teeth and cause pockets of decay. Teeth that are not cleaned properly can develop cavities, infections, and more serious problems. During a cleaning, our pediatric dentist Baltimore can also identify pockets of bacteria in the gums and remove them to stave off gingivitis and periodontitis.