Exams & Cleanings in Columbia, MD

If your teeth and gums are in good health, then it’s more likely that your body will be as well. Which is why it’s essential to visit your dentist regularly. While adults should see their dentists once or twice a year for exams and cleanings, some people may need to go more often.

Link Between Dental Health and Medical Conditions

For adults who have medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, HIV, or cancer, they may need dental exams more often than once every six months or year. Researchers have found direct links between heart disease and dental problems, so by taking care of your dental health, you can help prevent heart attacks and strokes.

By regularly visiting our dentists in Columbia, MD, they can help prevent dental problems like gum disease, infections, or dry mouth. Along with medical conditions, some lifestyle habits can also put people at higher risk for dental issues.

Lifestyle and Dental Health

Smoking not only affects how their teeth look, but smokers are at higher risk of periodontitis, which is a gum disease, and oral cancer. Fortunately, our dentists in Columbia know the signs to look for during oral exams and can recommend that you see a physician if they happen to spot trouble.

Cancer treatments can also cause dental problems like dry mouth or infections. Our dentists can help treat most dry mouth problems, but if they suspect its cause comes from something other than your treatments, they will refer you to a medical doctor for a diagnosis and treat the problem.

Pregnancy and Oral Health

Some expecting mothers can have issues with dental health because of their fluctuating hormones. Their gums can become inflamed, causing gingivitis, or other oral health issues may appear. Visiting a dentist near you in Columbia for examinations is very important when you’re pregnant for maintaining good oral health.

If it’s been some time since you’ve had an exam or cleaning, contact Model Dental Clinic for an appointment with one of our dentists. They can do a thorough exam of your teeth and gums, then clean them, so they are not only healthy but look their best as well.