Dental Health Concerns That Can Be Identified During A Routine Cleaning and Exam

Your local dentist and dental hygienist in Menomonie, Wisconsin, are your first line of defense in preventing dental health conditions. When you visit Drs. Emily Andre, Frankie Thatcher, and the friendly team at Gentle Dental Care for a dental cleaning and examination, there are specific signs and symptoms that they will be looking for, which could point to signs of dental health problems. Visiting your dentist for a routine dental cleaning and exam is essential to keeping your teeth, gums, and mouth in pristine condition.

Preventable dental health issues could become much more severe when you miss routine checkups and cleanings. Dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and infections are usually relatively easy to remedy when detected early. Preventative dental care is key to keeping your mouth in great shape. Here are some common issues seen during your routine checkup and cleaning.

Gum Disease

Gum disease can be the result of many things. Poor oral regimen, genetics, and health complications can all play a role in the development of gum disease. Gum disease, thankfully, is easy to detect during a cleaning. A telltale sign of gum disease is inflammation of the gums, easily seen by the eye. When you visit your local dentist for a cleaning, your gum tissues will be evaluated to check for inflammation and any discoloration or areas of the gums that may have receded from your teeth. You will be asked if there is any gum discomfort. If any of these factors are detectable, you will likely need to undergo treatment for gingivitis or periodontal disease.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is noticeable as tiny black dots or areas of the tooth which are receding from the enamel, even below the gum line. When you visit your dentist for a cleaning and exam, x-rays can be taken to detect any pockets of potential decay. If signs of decay are seen, you must undergo restorative treatment. This could be by filling a cavity or something more serious such as a root canal. Whatever is required will be done so that the health of your tooth can be preserved.

Open Abscess

When gum tissue or other oral structures become injured or infected, what could result is an open abscess. Visibly, an abscess could present as a tiny white or red spot along the gum line, lips, or inner cheek. For most, an abscess will cause significant pain or discomfort. However, if detected early by your dentist, it could be addressed before you have to suffer from any discomfort.

Visit Your Local Dentist Today!

As you can see, visiting your dentist for a routine cleaning and examination can identify several oral health complications before they are allowed to progress to a point where more serious treatment is needed. If you are ready to see a dentist in the Menomonie, WI area, please reach out to the team at Gentle Dental Care today at (715) 600-9004.