A Dental Check-up for Oral Cancer and a Dental Cleaning are Important

Dental Cleaning Peabody, MA

While you might not think about it every day, dentists recommend making regular dental check-ups and dental cleanings part of your routine, like visiting the doctor or brushing your teeth before bed. Both can help prevent oral cancer and maintain overall dental health, but only one is necessary to make you smile more often. But what exactly is a dental cleaning? What does it entail? The health of your mouth is just as important as the health of your body.

Why is a check-up important?

To catch minor issues before they become major problems, it's important to go in for regular check-ups. Get your teeth checked at least once every six months to ensure you stay on top of any problems you might be having with them. Cleaning can also help keep your mouth clean from bacteria that cause cavities.

A dental check-up can also help you discover more about your general health. Gum disease is an oral infection that increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. While most people with gum disease don't realize they have it because their symptoms aren't very noticeable, a dentist can use x-rays to look for signs of gum disease in your mouth.

What does your dentist look for during your check-up?

During your dental check-up, you'll want to ask your dentist what they look for during your annual cleaning. First, your dentist will be looking for cavities. Cavities, or tooth decay, are caused by bacteria in plaque building up on your teeth over time. This means that brushing regularly with proper technique will help prevent cavities from forming. Secondly, your dentist will examine your gums for periodontal disease. If you have periodontitis, it's important to take care of it as soon as possible.

The last thing your dentist will be looking for is whether you have signs of oral cancer. There's no way to know if you have oral cancer just by looking at it. That's why your dentist will use their trained eye to check out your mouth during each appointment, making sure to inspect all areas of your teeth, gums, tongue, lips, and inside your cheeks.

If you notice any swelling or bleeding that won't stop during your dental cleaning, get it checked out by a medical professional immediately. You can also schedule a mouth exam with your dentist to check for mouth sores, ulcers, or unusual growths on your mouth lining. While these growths may not be cancerous in themselves, they can be indicators of early oral cancer, so you should regularly have them checked by a doctor. The most common causes of oral cancer include tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption, so if you're worried about oral cancer, talk to your dentist about quitting these habits if possible.

Is it worth getting my teeth cleaned?

Over time, our tooth enamel becomes stained by pigments that seep into it from food and drink—that's why it's recommended that you get your teeth cleaned every six months to remove these stains. When you do so, however, be sure to talk with your dentist about oral cancer. If caught early enough, oral cancer is treatable; left untreated, it spreads rapidly through major organs like your liver and lungs.

Request an appointment here: https://www.northside-dentalcare.com or call Northside Dental Care, PC at (978) 206-7077 for an appointment in our Peabody office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning and Examinations in Peabody, MA.

Recent Posts

5 Things A Dental Cleaning Does For You

It is a known fact that routine dental cleaning is an important part of oral health. The American Dental Association recommends that people with an overall healthy mouth visit a dentist for a regular checkup and cleaning once every six months. Those with specific dental issues or certain underlying health conditions may need to schedule…

Let Us Help You Keep Your Smile Healthy

Proper dental cleanings and examinations can keep your teeth clean and eliminate early signs of decay.Preventative care is important for staying cavity and infection free. We provide dental cleanings and examinations so that everyone in the family can stay in excellent oral health. Schedule yours twice a year.Dental Cleaning and ExaminationsAt Northside Dental Care, PC…

How Often Are Dental Checkups Needed

Going in for a dental checkup might not be at the top of your priority list, but it should be. There could be many reasons why you have not been to the dentist’s office for a year or longer. Life can get busy, or you may have fears or anxieties about these visits. Whatever has…

What Happens At A Child's Dental Checkup?

Your child is getting ready for a dental checkup, and you are wondering what to expect. You want to be prepared to answer any of your child’s questions, so it is critical that you are educated on the subject. Find out what to expect, and then share the information with your son or daughter.A dental…

Recent Posts

Adult Orthodontics: Which Teeth Straightening Option Is Right For You?

Adult Orthodontics: Which Teeth Straightening Option Is Right For You?

Many professionals want to get adult orthodontics for a better smile. Few people are born with straight teeth. If you are not among them, you need to see a general dentist so that you can get a referral for dental straightening. Preparing well for your treatment can lead to its success. Here are the details…

Who Is A Good Candidate For Dental Implants

Who Is A Good Candidate For Dental Implants

Dental implants are a popular option for people missing one or more teeth. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth, making them an enticing choice for adults needing tooth replacement. Though this option offers many benefits that other teeth replacement options do not, it may not be the right choice for everyone. Let us…